Commuter ride sharing shuttle launches in Austin

A San Francisco-based commuter shuttle launched in Austin this week, its second market, with the support of Mayor Steve Adler. 

 

Chariot runs off an app that crowdsources riders’ locations and follows fixed stops in neighborhoods and transit hubs, while adjusting to aggregated data as more needs arise at new stops.

 

To create a new stop, people can “vote” to launch one in their area, and increase votes by getting community participation from colleagues, friends and neighbors to strengthen the chances of creating a new commuter line. Per Chariot, most commuters utilize the app and shuttle for the last mile of their commute to and from transit stops.

 

“We’re proud to establish Austin as our first market outside our home of San Francisco,” said Ali Vahabzadeh, Chariot CEO & co-founder, in a statement.

 

Vahabzadeh and team chose Austin due to our city's notable traffic challenges.

 

Riders will have the opportunity to ride free for a week to try out Chariot’s services. An initial service offering will begin Oct. 10 at the 6th Street Whole Foods location to support the employees of Whole Foods as well as GSD&M. The route will pick up commuters at the MetroRail Downtown stop and Republic Square for CapMetro buses, then Chariot will circuit through to the west side drop off and return at the end of the work day. 

 

“This is exactly the kind of tech-enabled transportation option that's going to give Austinites more ways to get around town in a way that will address traffic congestion,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler, in a statement. “Hats off to Whole Foods and GSD&M for supporting for their employees, and a big Austin welcome to Chariot. By helping people get to work, they are helping Austin move in the right direction.”

 

Chariot hires full time and part time drivers, all W2’d. Average rides cost between $3 and $4. Ford Smart Mobility, the Ford-founded company to provide alternative means of transportation, acquired Chariot in September of this year leaving Chariot to run uninterrupted and expand aggressively, like into Austin.  

 

With the new local market, Chariot is hiring for Austin-based roles.

 

 

Image provided by Chariot.