Lyft bets on global expansion, smaller cities focus to drive growth

Lyft’s foray into global markets and smaller U.S. cities will help fuel growth, the ride-hailing firm said on Wednesday, as it forecast upbeat bookings for the all-important holiday travel season.

The company’s shares, up about 56% this year, rose about 3% in extended trading.

Lyft said Freenow, its European operations, which it acquired earlier this year, is projected to add over six million riders to its platform in 2026. Its drive into underpenetrated U.S. markets, particularly college towns, accounted for roughly 70% of the growth in the third quarter.