Freenow by Lyft passengers raise €275,000 to support IWA bus network
The bus service is a lifeline to IWA members as it enables them to take part in activities at their local IWA Community Centre and within the wider community
Freenow by Lyft passengers can continue to support IWA via the Round Up and Donate feature in the app
Dublin, October 2nd, 2025 - Passengers using Freenow by Lyft have helped raise over €275,000 for Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) to date. Since last December, passengers have been able to round up the cost of their Freenow trip to the nearest euro and donate the difference to support the work of IWA.
Donations have covered the costs associated with running IWA buses, including fuel, operational expenses and maintenance. As these costs are not fully covered by funding grants, this financial support has been essential in enabling IWA to maintain its accessible bus network. The bus service is a lifeline to IWA members as it allows them to take part in activities at their local IWA Community Centre and within the wider community, attend appointments, enjoy social outings, and participate in sporting activities.
Taxis are a vital part of Ireland’s public transport system and the only door-to-door option, and it’s crucial that taxis are accessible to all. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) requirement, which ensures all new taxi licences are WAVs, and the WAV Grant Scheme, which supports drivers in purchasing or adapting vehicles, has significantly increased the number of wheelchair accessible taxis in Ireland. Freenow by Lyft, Ireland’s leading taxi app, fully supports these National Transport Authority (NTA) initiatives that help ensure the taxi fleet in Ireland meets the needs of passengers with disabilities. Freenow by Lyft’s accessible fleet continues to grow year after year, helping to build a more inclusive taxi industry.
Garreth Greene, IWA Design & Digital Projects Manager said: "Thanks to IWA driving school, I was able to learn to drive. This significantly contributed to my independence, helping me hold down a job, compete in the wheelchair tennis world tour, and now as a dad. The support from Freenow by Lyft can go towards helping even more people access that same independence.”
Ash Puri, Fundraising Partnerships Manager at IWA, commented: “We are inspired by the generosity of Freenow by Lyft passengers. Our partnership has transformed how we assist our members, supporting them to have the freedom to travel and access our services nationwide. Thanks to these donations IWA Members across Ireland now have greater freedom of mobility, empowering independence”
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at Freenow by Lyft Ireland, said: “We are delighted to see the money that our passengers have raised for IWA. At Freenow by Lyft, we are passionate about addressing mobility issues faced by wheelchair users and we are continuously calling for improved accessibility across the taxi industry. We are proud to work with IWA to support and advocate for passengers who rely on wheelchair accessible vehicles.”
As the Round Up to Donate initiative continues to support IWA, Freenow by Lyft passengers can select the option to donate when booking their trip, before their next trip, or while travelling to their destination by selecting the Round Up and Donate option in the Freenow app.
Notes to the editor:
Accompanying photographs can be found here.
About Freenow by Lyft
Freenow by Lyft is the European taxi app featuring broad multi-mobility options for everyone across 9 European markets and over 180 cities. Millions of passengers can access various mobility services within a single app, including taxis, private hire vehicles, carsharing, car rental, e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds and public transport. With headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, Freenow is led by CEO Thomas Zimmermann.
In July 2025, Freenow was acquired by Lyft, a global mobility platform offering a mix of rideshare, taxis, private hire vehicles, car sharing, bikes, and scooters across 4 continents and nearly 1,000 cities. Millions of drivers have chosen to earn on billions of rides. Together, Freenow and Lyft are helping to create a more connected world, with transportation options for everyone.
Visit our website for further information and download the Freenow app.