Lyft

(Press photo)

Lyft will be available on Thursday exactly two weeks after getting the green light to launch a transportation network in Huntsville.

The San Francisco ridesharing company said it will debut in Huntsville at noon Thursday, allowing residents to request a ride with the touch of a button. Lyft will also begin operating in four other Alabama cities, including Auburn, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa.

Lyft was created five years ago as the first peer-to-peer ridesharing service. Jaime Rackzka, head of early stage markets and expansion for Lyft, said Lyft has spent the early part of 2017 working to expand its services across the U.S.

"Today, we are excited about continuing this growth and bringing safe, friendly and reliable ridesharing to new communities," she said in a statement.

Passengers can request a ride through Lyft by using their smartphone app, where they pay drivers automatically. New Lyft passengers can save $5 on their first ride by using the code LYFTLOVE17.

Residents interested in driving for Lyft can apply here.

Lyft, which began offering rides in the Birmingham area in late February, requires drivers to pass a professional background check and a check through the local Department of Motor Vehicles. There are also requirements for cars that Lyft drivers use.

Lyft isn't the first ridesharing option in Huntsville. Uber and Zipcar have been available in the Rocket City since spring 2016.