At this point, you're either sick of the whole Uber/Lyft void debate, or you're beginning to understand how much you really relied on the ridesharing services. Either way, we're keeping up on the discussion, helping you figure out how to fill that Uber shaped hole in your heart. Since our original post, new ridesharing services have jumped into Austin, and we bet this is still just the beginning.
Fare cruises into town, moves headquarters
Scottsdale transportation startup Fare entered Austin a couple weeks ago, and now they're planning to move their corporate headquarters here. Fare was founded by former Lyft driver and has a stated mission of empowering its drivers. Ride Fare CEO Michael Leto told the Austin Business Journal Wednesday he intends to hire about 25 to 30 workers in the next year, doubling company headcount.
A Canadian entry
An international entry into Austin, Toronto-based InstaRyde began offering rides to passengers last week. The app has yet to be approved in Austin, but remains in soft launch mode. The app promises no surge pricing and allows users to tip drivers.
Fasten to begin pickups
Boston-based
Fasten wasn't planning on Austin as their next expansion city, but once Uber and Lyft left, they literally bought a one way ticket to help us out. They will begin accepting riders June 1. The company promises no surge pricing, as well as the ability to erase trip data. They claim that passengers pay less and drivers earn more through their app.
Don't forget about zTrip
zTrip launched in March and lets you book a black car or taxi in their app or over the phone. You can book for now or reserve for later and the company never uses
surge pricing. They also accept cash in additional to credit card and all of its drivers are licensed chauffeurs or taxi drivers.
ArcadeCity turns to Facebook as platform
With a Facebook Group page, drivers and riders connect and arrange rides all on the social network. That also means drivers and riders settle on pricing. The company is planning on rolling out their app soon.
Nonprofit joins the club
A nonprofit company has joined in the fight to fill Uber's void. Dubbed RideAustin, the smartphone app is available for iOS with Android to follow in June, and will immediately serve the downtown and airport areas. The company said the nonprofit model will allow it to pay drivers more money and also allow it to operate as a social impact startup. The "Round Up" feature enables passengers to contribute part of their fare to a charity of their choice.
Get Me gets cash infusion
Get Me, a Dallas-based transportation startup, raised $750,000 last week as it gears up for increased use. The company remains operational in Austin after agreeing to perform fingerprint-based background checks on its drivers.
Wingz, the latest addition
San Francisco-based Wingz just expedited the launch of their pre-booked private ride service. The service differentiates itself with advanced booking, flat-rate pricing, and the ability to request a driver you liked for another ride. The startup uses both commercial and non-commercial drivers and said it will comply with new fingerprinting requirements. While originally focused on pre-scheduled airport rides, they will offer trips around town as part of the beta launch of a new, Austin-exclusive service called
WingzAround.
A good old-fashioned taxi
A new driver-owned, cooperative taxi group called ATX Co-op Taxi is waiting approval to operate 500 taxicabs. If there was ever a time for taxi drivers to amp up their game, now would be it.
