CNN | July 18, 2021 6:15 pm (WTTW News) (CNN) — Shared rides were a key part of how the founders of Uber and Lyft envisioned disrupting transportation. Back in 2014, the companies raced each other to be first to announce their carpooling options, with the promise of creating a more efficient service that’s also more affordable for riders. Thanks to our sponsors: Then the pandemic hit, and the companies swiftly suspended their shared offerings to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Roughly 16 months later, Lyft is now slowly bringing back a revamped shared rides option. But as it does, it must confront shifting public health concerns as well as financial risks that predated the pandemic. (When asked by CNN Business about its plans for shared rides in the U.S., an Uber spokesperson said the company will “explore re-launching Pool when the time is right and will follow the guidance of health experts.”)