Look out Uber: nine new rideshare apps
You’ve probably heard of juggernaut smartphone apps Lyft and Uber. These ridesharing companies have pulled in carloads of money. But, given that explosive growth, they’re hardly the only ridesharing apps out there anymore. Startup after startup is clamoring for a piece of the “sharing economy” pie.
These nine new rideshare apps are taking aim at the market, each with its own twist:
1. Via
Chicago and New York City
Via’s specialty is low flat rates for shared rides — only $3.95 to $5.95 — instead of pricing based on how long or far you ride. Via accepts any credit card and pretax commuter benefit debit cards. Riders must purchase “Ride Credit” within the app, though, or you can avoid that with a $2 pay-per-ride surcharge.
2. Wingz
Multiple cities
Wingz exclusively drives you to and from the airport. You can book in advance, pick the time, know the set pricing and “meet” the driver online. It operates in several cities, including Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco and Sacramento, California — and in Austin, Texas, where it offers general ridesharing in addition to airport service.
3. Juno
New York City (beta)
Juno is aiming to usurp king Uber with quality employee care. It only recruits drivers with a 4.7 or higher previous rating from Lyft and Uber, and takes a lower commission from drivers than Uber. Tips are fully awarded to drivers, and drivers can block customers. Juno also pays drivers more in surge areas, but won’t charge riders anything extra.
4. SafeHer
Boston (coming soon)
Formerly Chariot for Women, this ridesharing app seeks to create a network of female drivers who pick up only women and children passengers. The idea is to eliminate violence against women in the rideshare space. Some argue the app is discriminatory for not employing men, but the company is persistent in its plans to launch soon.
5. Ride Austin
Austin
A nonprofit, Ride Austin was created especially for Austin and was set to roll out in June. As a rider, you also have the option to round up your fare prices to the nearest whole dollar, and the difference will be donated to a local charity. The company hopes to grow enough so that it can eventually provide free or reduced-price rides to the elderly and disabled.
6. Summon
San Francisco Bay Area
If you love planning ahead, Summon is your app. You can schedule a ride in advance on your phone or computer, and see details on your driver. And in a unique twist, riders can choose to call either a taxi or personal car — each with a different pay structure.
7. Gett
New York City
A favorite reservation service of corporate officials, Gett offers advanced booking up to two weeks and never charges surge prices. Drivers are treated to up to $600 in sign-up bonuses, plus full tips and a 10% commission cap. While relatively new to the game in the U.S., Gett is one to watch due to its immense popularity in Europe.
8. Hovee
San Francisco Bay Area
Hovee doesn’t use professional drivers. It taps into your online social network and creates car pools from your social media connections, as well as those who work in your industry. Its goal is to create a more personalized car pool for its riders.
9. Arro
New York, Chicago and Boston
For those who prefer the classic yellow cab, some apps still work exclusively with taxis. Arro connects riders with one at the push of a button. Plus, it will set up automatic payment on your phone — and it can even pay for a taxi you’ve hailed without the app.
Nicole Arata is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: narata@nerdwallet.com.
This article first appeared at NerdWallet.
