Lyft is doubling down on its UK expansion after agreeing to buy the British arm of ride-hailing startup Gett, in a move that tightens its grip on one of Europe’s most competitive markets.
The deal — expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to closing conditions — brings one of the capital’s leading black cab apps into Lyft’s orbit. Gett aggregates a large share of Greater London’s licensed black cab drivers and has built a sizeable enterprise business serving corporates, public sector organisations and major venues.
Last year, the US-listed company bought British taxi app Freenow for $175m, months before buying TBR Global Chauffeuring, a Glasgow-based company that specializes in luxury rides. The company also provides bikes and stations for London’s public cycle hire scheme Santander Cycles.
“With Gett, Lyft is expanding its coverage of London's full ground transport ecosystem,” said Jeremy Bird, EVP of global growth at Lyft. “This milestone reflects Lyft's commitment to the London market and our belief in its long-term potential. Adding Gett to Lyft’s ecosystem positions Lyft as the leading app for London black cabs.”
The deal further hints at Lyft’s longer-term ambitions in the UK. The company has said it plans to begin testing autonomous rides in London later this year in partnership with Baidu, putting it among a small group of platforms offering both human-driven and self-driving services in a single market.
Gett’s UK team will transfer into Freenow once the deal completes, folding its enterprise-heavy model into Lyft’s wider ecosystem. Lyft said the acquisition would have no impact on Q1 2026 results and only a minimal effect in Q2.
“Those who drive black cabs are some of the world's most qualified drivers. Drivers pass the world's toughest taxi exam, learning 25k streets and 20k landmarks before being licensed,” said Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft.
“We are excited to welcome Gett into the Lyft ecosystem, strengthening our customer-centric black cab and private hire service for Londoners, passengers across the UK, and travelers worldwide.”
