The internet has brought us many things: instant connectivity, simplification of repetitive tasks, and the world’s information at our fingertips. It has also given rise to on-demand video streaming and shopping – services that we have grown to love. But in this connected world, the internet has brought us something else – ridesharing.
Ridesharing is a service that arranges one-time shared rides on very short notice, usually arranged through a mobile app. These rides make use of three recent technological advances: GPS navigation devices, smartphones, and social networks.
Smartphone apps have been created around these three technologies, allowing riders to simply press a button and get paired with a driver, who then comes and picks them up.
The two dominant players in the ridesharing game are Uber and Lyft, considered to be the best ridesharing companies in the transportation industry. In addition, there are also some smaller but still significant players, including Juno and Via.
These companies have established a foothold on the market, and have shaken the conventional cab industry upside down. Riders have come to love how the apps offer an appealing alternative to traditional taxis, as well as public transportation.
However, the ridesharing industry has come under heavy fire recently, proving to be fairly controversial due to its lack of regulation and questionable insurance “gray areas.” Regardless of the scrutiny, the services continue to operate around the globe.
You should take time to determine which company provides unrivaled ridesharing services. Remember that the best ridesharing company can give you the safest and most convenient ride at the most reasonable rates.
Jump to:
1. Uber
Uber is a company that is revolutionizing transportation in the United States and across the world.
The app enables customers to secure and then submit their trip requests. With Uber, you can even get a private car, taxi, or rideshare from your cell phone. This connects you with drivers within just short minutes.
You can request a ride with ease and pay through your phone. Uber is one of the best ridesharing companies that guarantee reliable pickups, one-tap rides, and clear pricing.
As the first ridesharing company on the scene, Uber has established itself in the ridesharing market as the dominant player.
Uber provides several levels of service, giving riders the option to choose from normal cars (UberX) all the way up to high end-SUVs with commercial drivers behind the wheel (UberBLACK).
It also offers shared rides through its UberPOOL service, which lets passengers save on fares in exchange for sharing their ride with other passengers headed in the same direction.
Uber encourages drivers to be as professional as possible, with drivers for high-end services such as UberBLACK expected to open the door for you. This professional standard has allowed the company to take a dominant foothold on the professional transportation market, becoming especially popular among business people and young professionals.
And with bonuses worth up to $500, it is no wonder why so many people are flocking to sign up to drive for Uber.
Note: Uber also operates another service called Uber Eats, which leverages the company’s large number of drivers to provide food delivery service from local restaurants across the world.
2. Lyft
Lyft used to be considered Uber’s quirky competitor, but has recently made a huge push at turning around its image.
Like most conventional ridesharing apps, Lyft matches riders with drivers with the press of a button and includes GPS tracking so riders can see exactly where their driver is.
This ridesharing company offers everyday cars for daily on-demand hire.
Imagine the world with no traffic and few parking garages. Every car and seat is filled and strangers have become good acquaintances. Lyft is really transforming the way communities and people connect via better transportation.
Lyft is a privately held American transportation company with an exclusive mobile application facilitating peer to peer ridesharing by means of connecting passengers who are in need of rides from drivers with available cars.
If you need a ride, this ridesharing company can give you a memorable and welcoming one. Just request for a ride in Lyft app and then get picked by highly experienced drivers within a few minutes.
With just a single tap, you will be matched with background-checked and friendly rideshare drivers. There are different options to ride when you choose this ridesharing company, including rides in regular sedans, luxury SUVs, and even discounted, shared rides.
3. Via
Uber and Lyft make be the biggest players in the rideshare industry, but they’re far from the only ones.
Other companies are making an impact in this space at a more localized level. One such company is Via, which offers rideshare services in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Unlike Uber and Lyft, which offer door-to-door ride services, all Via rides are “corner-to-corner.”
After you input your destination, Via will match you with a ride that’s headed your way. The app will then instruct you where to meet your driver, which will always be at a nearby corner.
In addition, all Via rides transport multiple passengers headed to different destinations in the same direction. This helps keep prices lower for riders, while also allowing drivers to maximize their earnings on a given trip.
If you live in NYC, Chicago, or D.C., we recommend taking a look at Via if you’re searching for a more affordable alternative to Uber and Lyft.
4. Juno
Juno is a rideshare company that offers door-to-door service in regular sedans, luxury vehicles, and high-capacity SUVs.
Juno believes in treating its drivers better than any other rideshare company. They take lower commissions than Uber and Lyft, and they also only accept former Uber and Lyft drivers who held a rating of at least 4.7 (out of 5) stars.
Because of this, Juno tends to offer a higher level of service than the other two companies (at least in comparison to the standard UberX and Lyft services).
Juno operates exclusively in NYC and parts of New Jersey. It’s possible that they’ll expand their service in the future, but it remains limited to the NYC area at the moment. If you do happen to live in the area, Juno is worth a look.
Find the Best Ridesharing App for You
These are the best rideshare services you can consider when you are looking for ideal transportation services. These companies have their own sets of wonderful features and offers, so it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
We hope this guide has made it easier to choose the perfect rideshare app for your next trip.
