March 2019 – Page 2 – Rideshare Central

Lyft Goes Divvy, Doordash Takes The Lead, And Self Driving Car Heads To Museum

March 15, 2019/in Blog/by Sharon

This Week in On Demand― March 14, 2019

From Lyft bikes to Doordash, the new champ of food delivery, here’s the latest happenings from the gig economy this week.

Lyft To Invest $50 Million in Chicago Bike Sharing Program

A proposed contract from Chicago bike-sharing program Divvy will bring $50 million in investment from Lyft to the city over nine years.

Lyft took over the city’s bike-sharing program last year after purchasing Motivate International, a company that managed government sharing programs in cities like Boston, Chicago, and New York.

The proposal would add 175 stations and 10,500 bikes, bringing the total to 800 stations and 16,500 bikes. It also would require Lyft to pay the city $6 million annually, with a four percent increase each year. The city would also share in $1.5 million generated from advertisements or sponsorships. This money is in addition to the $50 million investment. All city money would go back into transportation.

Tighter Regulations on Ride Sharing in New York Help Smaller Operators

New regulations in New York City have created losses for major players like Uber and Lyft, but smaller operators are starting to see an increase in business.

A rise in the minimum wage for app-based drivers caused both Uber and Lyft to increase prices. In addition, the city added a surcharge for $2.75 for every ride-hailing trip below 96th street in Manhattan.

According to Lyft, these fare hikes and surcharges have reduced the number of ride requests in the area. However, ridepool service Via, the smallest app-based service in the area, have reported an increase in business.

The Manhattan-based company uses vans to shuttle passengers in a ride-pooling service. Via was able to keep fares the same, and riders only have to pay a surcharge of $0.75.

Autonomous Vehicle Heads to Henry Ford Museum

Even though autonomous cars are not yet mainstream, one is headed to the Henry Ford Museum. GM announced its first autonomous car is making its way to the museum to be displayed in the very front, alongside a 1959 Cadillac.

The preproduction Chevy Bolt EV rolled off a Michigan assembly line in March 2016. It racked up over 12,000 miles of autonomous driving in San Francisco and other cities.

DoorDash Grabs Number One Spot in Food Delivery Market

Fortune magazine announced Monday that DoorDash nosed ahead of GrubHub to take the number one position in the on-demand food delivery market.

In March 2018, DoorDash was barely in the running for the top three services, taking about 15% market share, while GrubHub had almost 40% and Uber Eats was squarely in the middle of the two.

Over the last year, GrubHub’s market share steadily decreased, DoorDash continued to improve, and Uber Eats stayed relatively stable.

Current numbers are almost neck and neck, with DoorDash owning 27.6% of the market, GrubHub at 26.7%, and Uber Eats at 25.2%.

It’s unclear what caused the decline at GrubHub, but with so many new players entering the market, customers have more choices than in the past.

Dallas Transit Hires Uber to Give Free & Discount Rides

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is offering free and discounted rides to some customers via Uber’s ride-pool service UberPool.

The program provides options for those who live in areas with limited transportation options. Rides are subsidized by DART and serve six zones in the area including Legacy West in Plano and the Inland Port in South Dallas.

That’s the news for this week. Stay tuned for next week’s roundup to see the latest innovations in the on-demand industry.

Image Credit: Steve Fecht for General Motors

Sign Up with Handy and Put Your Skills to Work

March 11, 2019/in Blog/by Cassandra

Looking for a way to make money working with your hands, and fast? Check out Handy.

They’ve got a portal to a wide range of in-demand services for cleaners and handymen. Professionals, licensed electricians, plumbers, and lawn care technicians can employ the system to get jobs from sprucing up a house to fixing a leaky pipe. Here’s a quick glance at how you can get started with Handy.

Signing Up With Handy

The application process is straightforward and can be done on a phone or tablet. Here’s what it looks like every step of the way:

1. Start by putting in your basic information – name, email address, ZIP code, and the basic position you want to apply for.

2. Next, enter your phone number and address.

3. Further down, you’ll see questions about your work experience. Identify your skills, work experience, training, and supplies.

4. Finally, confirm that you can legally work in the United States, how you heard about Handy, and how you will be commuting to your job.

From there, you will need to pass a background check. Once that’s approved, congratulations — you’re officially part of the Handy team! If it all seems overwhelming at first, don’t worry. New pros are offered an online orientation to show them the ropes.

The Handy Pro App

You can download the Handy Pro App on both Android and iOS devices. Here’s a breakdown of how to successfully install the app onto your device:

In your browser, type in handy.com/p to find the right app for your device. If you’re using an iPhone and get a message prompt reading “Untrusted Enterprise Developer,” go to Settings/General/Profiles & Device Management and select the Handybook option. Set it to “trust,” and you’ll be good to go. If using Android, if a popup asks “Do You Want to Keep the Handy Pro?” just hit “OK.” From there, you will be prompted through installation steps. If your Android prompts you with “Install Blocked,” go to Settings/Security and check the box next to “Unknown Sources.”
Once the app has been successfully installed, be sure to allow for “Push Notifications” once prompted. This will ensure you get important updates on Handy and jobs in your area.
Next, enter your phone number into the system. Be sure the phone number you enter is the same one as the device where you’ve entered your application. You’ll then be prompted to request a PIN code, which Handy will send via text. Use that code to log into the Handy Pro App.
Once the app is up and running, you’ll see the status of your application. As soon as that process is completed, the status page will become a “Welcome” page. There will be beginner tips available here, and you will be prompted to enter your banking information. Now you’re all set to start claiming jobs!

Claiming Jobs

On the Handy Pro App end, here’s what how you can go about claiming jobs:

On the app, click on the button on the bottom left corner that says “Claim.”
On the Claim Page, you’ll see different days of the week at the top. Tap each day to see what bookings are available in your area. Not finding one on the day or time you’re interested in? Check back later, as jobs are being constantly updated.
Each booking will show you: a) the name of the neighborhood the job is in; b) the time and duration of the job; c) whether or not the job is a one-time gig or if it repeats. Pros are welcome to claim as many jobs as they can complete in a given day!
Once you tap on the job, a detailed map will come up. This is the page where you will be prompted to claim the job. Keep in mind: the earliest jobs start at 7:00 a.m., while the latest jobs end at 11:00 p.m.

Once the process is complete, you can work as much or as little as you want, make up your own schedule, and agree to pay rates that you find acceptable. Scheduling jobs is simple on the app, and there’s a great guide on Handy’s platform to help you along as well.

Also on the app, the Instant Book function allows clients to directly communicate with you so you can get on the same page when booking a job. Handy makes it easy to set this function up in the Instant Book section of their ProHelp guide.

Time to Work

Now that you are set up on the system and eligible to accept work, it’s time to gear up and be ready to work. First things first: you have to bring your own equipment and supplies to the job. That means tools, cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, etc. Check out Handy’s checklist for professionals on the Handy app for more information.

Additionally, you will need to budget some time up front for a walk-through prior to getting started, as well as a few minutes for the post-process review with the client (assuming the client is present).

Being ready for all possibilities is what makes the Handy experience pleasant and satisfying for all involved. That’s why Handy will take care of processing all payments(and any possible tips). This means there is no awkward face-to-face billing or collecting from clients.

Building on Your Handy Experience

Using the Handy platform doesn’t end after a job is over. Ensuring a steady flow of offers means working the system on a regular basis, which can lead to greater earning opportunities.

One of the most important features on the app is the rating system. Clients generate ratings based on how things went with the job. The higher you are rated, the more likely you are to get more work and be paid higher rates. Handy also offers tips on how to make positive impressions on clients, which can lead to higher ratings.

By being mindful of the elements that reinforce the experience, you can build your own network of favorite clients based not only on your score on the app, but also by word-of-mouth. As you build your reputation on the platform, income expectations can go up as well.

Never Stop Learning

Handy’s platform offers a great way for household professionals to create or expand a business where you are the boss, controlling your own schedules and workflows. The system itself is easy to use, intuitive and provides a lot of flexibility.

Additionally, Handy’s mobile app is chock full of informative articles to help you reach the level of success you seek. Dozens of topics are covered in articles, informative blogs, and checklists. Just about any question you may have is addressed. There’s also an email help desk available, with urgent matters often receiving attention within minutes.

Handy is not only a full-service job platform application that you can use to the best of your advantage, it also acts as a partner, taking care of a lot of the business for you. If you think Handy could be for you, sign up today!

Lyft Begins the IPO Process, Volvo Gets Zum, And Gotcha Unveils Trike

March 8, 2019/in Blog/by Brandon

This Week in On Demand― March 8, 2019

Things are heating up this week as Lyft prepares for their IPO, Uber avoids charges in a fatal crash, and ride-sharing service Gotcha unveils a new vehicle.

Lyft Begins the IPO Process

As expected, Lyft began the IPO process on Monday, according to Seeking Alpha. The company filed to raise $100 million from sales of its Class A common stock.

Experts estimate sales may raise as much as $3 billion. To date, Lyft’s private investments come in at $5.1 billion over several funding rounds from a variety of sources.

Experts say Lyft shows strong but decelerating growth, and that it may need more cash injections after the IPO.

Gotcha Unveils New Electric Trike

Watch out Jump and Bird; South-Carolina based ridesharing company Gotcha unveiled a new leaning electric trike.

Gotcha currently operates in 20 states and offers rides on electric shuttles, bikes, and scooters. They will be the first US company to offer electric trikes to customers, as well as the first to allow customers to rent four different types of electric vehicles from a single app.

Gotcha trike top speeds are 25 miles per hour, and they can travel up to 40 miles on one charge. Their leaning design makes them comfortable and easy to ride.

The trikes will be faster than current scooter offerings from Bird and Lime, with substantially longer battery life.

Uber Dodges a Bullet in Fatal Self-Driving Car Crash

On Tuesday, Arizona prosecutors announced that they will not be pursuing criminal charges against Uber in connection with a 2018 crash.

A Volvo SUV hit a pedestrian walking her bicycle across the street in Tempe on March 18, 2018. Uber was testing the vehicle in autonomous mode. Though a safety driver was sitting in the driver’s seat, the car struck the female at 40 miles per hour and killed her.

This was the first fatality involving an autonomous vehicle and raised questions about the safety of the technology. Uber suspended testing immediately after the crash, but autonomous vehicles returned on the scene in December at lower speeds.

Image Credit: Jason Doiy

Southeast Asian Ride-Sharing Companies Are Raising Serious Funds

Grab, the Uber of Southeast Asia, raised another $1.5 billion, bringing total funding for their series H round to $4.5 billion. The company provides ride hailing, ride sharing, food delivery, and logistics to customers in the region. Their revenue soared in 2018 when they merged with Uber in Southeast Asia.

Go-Jek, Grab’s largest competitor in the area, announced it raised an additional $100 million from existing investor Astra. The money is to expand services in Southeast Asia, but the company is also launching services in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Uber May Buy Middle-Eastern Competitor Careem

CNN announced Wednesday that Uber is in talks to acquire a Middle-Eastern competitor. The company is talking with Dubai-based startup Careem about a possible acquisition of the ride-hailing app.

Careem was founded in 2012 and has over 30 million customers. The latest valuation of the company could be as high as $3 billion. It was valued at $2 billion during its last funding round in October 2018.

Uber has been pulling out of many international markets including Russia, China, and some Southeast Asian countries. But experts speculate it is trying to gain ground in growing markets like the Middle East since announcing its intentions to go public this year.

Volvo Invests in Family Ride-Sharing Service

Volvo Cars announced Monday that it invested in family ride-sharing service Zum through its Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

Zum is a California-based service that allows families to schedule transportation for children to and from school, as well as to after-school activities and other events. The service includes an option for child care before or after rides.

The service uses a strict vetting process to hire drivers. Zum drivers must show childcare experience and a clean driving record. Next, they must submit to multiple background checks. The final stage of the process requires drivers to bring their cars for a 22-point inspection.

Certified Zum drivers service the state of California. The company currently serves 80% of the state’s population. The investment from Volvo was part of a larger funding round. It’s unclear what kind of collaboration Volvo plans with Zum in the future.

Volvo Zum vehicle.

Vulog and Segway Join Forces to Create a European Sharing Service

Technology company Vulog and Segway are partnering to create shared mobility services in Europe. The first service is planned to launch in the second quarter of 2019 and will provide both cars and kick-scooters.

Vulog creates software for ride-sharing operators and Segway is the largest scooter provider to sharing services. This is the first time Vulog is partnering with a manufacturer.

Stay tuned for next week’s roundup.

Eaze Promo Code And Eaze Wellness Promo Code – Marijuana And CBD (Cannabidiol)

March 7, 2019/in Blog/by Cassandra

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(Disclosure – We independently research our content to provide free advice for you. We may get compensation if you sign up with services, or purchase products through our affiliate links.)

In today’s on-demand marketplace, you can get nearly anything delivered to your door – meals, groceries, household items, pet supplies, alcohol, and more.

But did you know that you can also get marijuana, CBD (Cannabidiol) and other cannabis products delivered to your home?

That’s right. California medical and recreational marijuana users can get the cannabis products they need delivered to their homes through legal and licensed local dispensaries by using Eaze. Eaze partners with local dispensaries and cannabis companies to provide a wide variety of quality cannabis products to local customers.

Eaze recently expanded its on demand cannabis delivery to Portland, Oregon.

Eaze also ships CBD products to 41 states and the District Of Columbia through Eaze Wellness.

Below, we’ll discuss what Eaze looks like from the customer side. From their menu of products to the delivery process, we’ll tell you what you need to know about ordering from Eaze.

If you’re already ready to get started, click the button below to get $20 off your first delivery order using our Eaze promo code. The code will work at either Eaze or Eaze Wellness.

$20 Eaze Coupon

What Is Eaze and Eaze Wellness?

Founded in 2014, Eaze is a technology platform designed to support the legal cannabis industry in California. The site provides resources for verified consumers, licensed retailers, and licensed cannabis brands while offering a platform that allows them to connect with one another.

Eaze aims to help build a legal and sustainable cannabis industry by providing legal access to cannabis as well as safe and convenient on-demand delivery throughout California.

Since its initial launch, Eaze has become a voice for the cannabis industry, reaching more than 300,000 customers across 100 cities in California. Eaze has continued to grow as a business over time, raising a total of $51.5 million in funding over six rounds. The most recent round of funding occurred on September 14, 2017, with six investors raising $27 million.

The Eaze platform (Eaze and Eaze Wellness) makes the process of selling legal cannabis and CBD products easy and safe for all parties involved.

Customers use Eaze to place delivery orders and pay local retailers directly.

Retailers use the platform to connect with consumers and dispatch delivery drivers, and delivery drivers use the platform to pick up orders and deliver them to the right location.

Eaze also has a compliance team that works with local retailers and brands to ensure all products and transactions meet local and state regulations. This allows customers to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their transaction is legal and local.

How Does Eaze Work for Customers?

Utilizing the Eaze technology platform is simple for customers.

The site connects consumers with licensed, local dispensaries that offer a wide variety of tested cannabis products. Customers can log on and access a number of resources on cannabis as well as browse the menu and purchase cannabis products to be delivered.

Eaze Cannabis Ordering

How to Order and Receive Products from Eaze

Once a customer is verified as being at least 21 years of age, they can create an account with Eaze and begin to order directly from the site. The Eaze website separates products by type, and each product provides a detailed description that helps customers understand which products are right for them. Eaze also offers a number of resources for those who are new cannabis users to help them find the right products.

Eaze Patient Walkthrough

Once the consumer has made an order, they will pay the local retailer directly through the Eaze platform. Then, the retailer will dispatch one of their delivery drivers to complete the transaction by delivering the order directly to their home. The delivery driver will verify the customer’s age and identity upon delivery. If the consumer lives in an area that only allows medical marijuana sales, then they will also need to have a medical marijuana recommendation from a physician.

Eaze Delivery Zones

To be eligible for home delivery, customers need to reside in one of the on-demand delivery zones. Eaze provides delivery to the following areas of California:

Bay Area – San Francisco and the Peninsula
Bay Area – East Bay
Bay Area – South Bay
Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Marin
Napa and Sonoma
Orange County
Sacramento
San Diego

Eaze has just recently partnered with the Oregon based Kaleafa dispensary to offer marijuana delivery to the people of Portland.

Though cannabis delivery is legal at a state level, there are some cities that have banned delivery, and Eaze is also prohibited from delivering in school zones and other restricted areas.

For a full list of the cities and delivery hours for each city, visit the delivery page and type in your address to see if delivery is available.

Types of Products You Can Order

Eaze offers a wide variety of cannabis products for home delivery to customers in California. As part of their Eaze Wellness offering, they also provide quality CBD products, which can be shipped nationwide.

Cannabis Products

On the main Eaze website, you can find a range of cannabis products available for home delivery, including:

Flower
All-In-One Disposable Vaporizers
Rechargeable Vaporizers and Cartridges
Dose Pens
Edibles
Drops, Tablets, and Capsules
Preroll Packs
Prerolls
Concentrates
Bath and Body Care Products
Other Accessories

All of the dispensaries and companies that Eaze sources products from are legal, licensed, and tested to ensure quality and satisfaction. Eaze curates their menu to provide the best available cannabis products and offers detailed product descriptions so that customers know what they can expect from these products.

Eaze Wellness CBD Products

Eaze also serves customers outside of California. This online shop provides a variety of cannabidiol (CBD) products to be shipped to 41 states. Shipping is not currently available in California, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, or Washington.

Eaze Wellness CBD

If you reside within an eligible state, you can order CBD products to be delivered to your door, including:

Vaporizers
Drops, Sprays, and Strips
Tablets and Capsules
Face, Skin, and Body Care Products
Pet Products
Bath Products
Intimacy Products
Concentrates and Wax

These products are legal to purchase and ship within the United States, as they are derived from hemp plants.

This means they contain less than .3% of psychoactive cannabinoid THC.

All of the brands Eaze sources CBD products from are legal, licensed, and thoroughly tested to ensure quality and satisfaction.

Taxes on Cannabis Products

Consumers will notice three different taxes on their Eaze order receipt – Excise Taxes, Local Cannabis Taxes, and Sales & Use Taxes. Only customers with state-issued MMID cards are exempt from paying Sales and Use Taxes. (However, they still need to pay Excise and Local Cannabis Taxes).

These taxes are used to pay for implementation and enforcement of new regulations on the use of medicinal and recreational marijuana in California. These taxes are also used to support a number of other benefits for state and local jurisdictions. Just some of these benefits include research funding for the cannabis market, research on the pharmacological impacts of cannabis, developing tests for impaired driving, and reinvestment in the community.

How to Get Started as an Eaze or Eaze Wellness Customer

Getting started with Eaze or Eaze Wellness as a customer is easy.

You can begin by using our referral link so you get a $20 discount on your first marijuana or CBD (cannabidiol) delivery.

You will then be asked to create an account by entering your email address, password, and delivery zip code. You’ll also be asked to read and agree to Eaze’s Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Shipping Terms.

After that, you’ll be prompted to enter your phone number. Eaze will send a verification link to your phone. Once you click on the link, you’ll be asked to take a photo of your ID with your camera. After you are verified as being at least 21 years of age, you will be able to order products from the site and arrange for delivery to your home.

Whether you are a medicinal marijuana user, take CBD for pain, or take part in cannabis products recreationally, you can now order legal, local products from licensed, local dispensaries using the Eaze technology platform.

Eaze also makes it easy for consumers to get convenient, on-demand delivery across California.

Get $20 Off Your First Eaze Marijuana Or CBD Order Today With Our Eaze Promo Code!

If you’re in California and are looking to order cannabis or related products, or if you’re outside California and wish to order CBD (Cannabidiol) or related products, click the button below to receive $20 off your first Eaze or Eaze Wellness order.

$20 Off Eaze

Mercedes and BMW Jumpstart Joint Rideshare Venture

March 5, 2019/in Blog/by Jonathon C

It seems at times that ridesharing has become ubiquitous in the United States. But by every conceivable metric, things are still somehow only picking up steam. Every day, new companies are trying to get in on one of the most significant technological revolutions of our time. Now, BMW Group and Daimler AG have announced a joint rideshare and mobility venture. Their service is bit different from others, as it aims to create a new global player that will offer sustainable urban mobility services to customers across the country.

The two companies are investing more than a billion dollars in this joint venture.
In addition to car sharing, the ecosystem will offer ride hailing, parking, and multimodal transport services.
The efforts are seen as an opportunity to pave the way for a world that “travels via autonomous and electrified vehicle fleets.”

What Does This Joint Venture Include?

The venture itself will actually see the launch of not one but five new services. This is possible thanks to the fact that both brands are essentially combining services that were already being offered under one virtual “roof” for the first time. They include:

“Reach Now,” which will be the home for multimodal services.
“Charge Now,” which is aimed at helping people find opportunities to charge their electric vehicles in any location.
“Free Now,” which will be used for taxi ride hailing services.
“Park Now,” which as the name suggests will be a more efficient way for people to find parking in major urban areas.
“Share Now,” which is the name given to the traditional car sharing services offered by these companies.

“Park Now” allows people to book their ideal parking space with just a few quick clicks of a button. Not only is it a more effective way for people to locate parking in a matter of seconds, but certain locations will offer additional value added services as well. These can include but are not limited to 24/7 security and monitoring services, along with comprehensive car wash services.

“Charge Now” offers similar functionality, only geared at existing owners of electric vehicles. It is the next evolution of a similarly named program that was offered by BMW that came to an end in December 2018. Via the app, users can instantly see a complete map of available charging stations in their area. They can not only book time in a charging station that suits them, but can also get turn-by-turn directions to get there as soon as possible.

“Reach Now” is the service that will be the most familiar to users as it is naturally very similar to solutions offered by companies like Uber and Lyft. It does have a number of features that make it unique, however. Via the app, all someone has to do is enter a destination and they can either choose to drive themselves or get a ride. If they select the former, they’ll be given turn by turn directions similar to any conventional GPS and they will get the use of a car from the company’s fleet. If they choose the latter, a driver will pick them up and take them wherever they need to go. The “Get a Ride” functionality is what makes it close in execution to competing services that already exist, but everything else indicates that this is where those similarities end.

In terms of payment for driving yourself, users can drive by the minute, the hour or even the day depending on where they’re going and what their intentions are. As per the website, current rates for driving yourself begin at approximately $15 per hour. Booking the same car for multiple days is also an option. Under this scenario, they can also find parking anywhere in the coverage area for maximum convenience.

BMW boasts that its current fleet offers hundreds of BMWs, electric BMWs and MINIS via the service, though more will be added in the future. Currently, “Reach Now” is only available in Seattle and Portland although a rapid expansion is predicted over the next few years to other areas in the country.

Why This, Why Now?

BMW and Daimler are both optimistic about the future of this joint venture, offering five key reasons why this is the right move to make at exactly the right time.

The companies insist that this will be a major step towards bringing sustainable mobility to people all over the country, particularly in urban environments.
Leveraging the existing infrastructures of both companies allows them to offer an individual, personalized all-round service package. This includes services designed to “cover the entire value chain.”
BMW and Daimler say that they have the “financial strength” to make sure this effort succeeds, as evidenced by their one billion investment across the five joint ventures.
Both companies have an eye towards growth. Not only do they want to increase the network of 60 million customers they’re already serving, but they also want to create more than 1,000 new jobs as well.
Both companies insist that they are still competitors. This will motivate them to “deliver top performance in core business functions in the future.”

What Does the Future Look Like?

Things are a bit murkier as far as whether or not this joint venture will trigger the genuine revolution that both companies hope it will. Not only is a cooperation agreement of this size unique, but the scope of the project is essentially unparalleled.

Because of that, there is really no existing example one can point to in order to say “this is going to work, and here’s why.” Plus, one has to consider that this comes somewhat late in the game in terms of ride sharing. Established players like Uber and Lyft already command sizable customer shares and there are no signs of that slowing down anytime soon.

However, despite the fact that the market is still growing, this may be a genuine opportunity for a new player to enter the game. In the third quarter of 2018, Uber posted a $1 billion loss as overall booking volumes slowed significantly. Despite the fact that Lyft delivered its one billionth ride last year, it’s growth has slowed as well. This is part of the reason why the company is already exploring new transportation options like bikes, scooters and even public transit.

Have BMW and Daimler waited too long to launch something of this magnitude? Or does the growth of their two largest competitors mean that they’re acting at precisely the right moment? Only time will tell.

From another perspective, things are a bit more optimistic in terms of the raw value that the joint venture is capable of delivering. A recent CNET article noted floated the premise that “Uber wants to be the ‘Amazon of transportation,’ but BMW and Daimler might do it first.”

That is a very real possibility and at least for right now, it is one that cannot be overlooked. After all Damiler and BMW have a massive service and production infrastructure that no other mobility company can match at this point.

In the End

Ride sharing isn’t going anywhere any time soon, particularly in the United States. What began as a simple alternative to traditional taxi services has since evolved into an alternative to the idea of transportation as we know it.

Ride sharing itself has been going through something of an evolution for years. First you could choose the type of car you were able to order, and now you don’t have to order a car at all to participate. As the gig economy continues to expand as well, this is a trend that shows absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

But is this joint effort between Daimler and BMW a vision of the future in the ways that both companies insist that it is? The answer to that question is one that professionals and users alike will be paying close attention to for the foreseeable future.

Some Lyft & Uber Drivers To Get IPO Stock, And Doordash Stays Private

March 1, 2019/in Blog/by Jane T

This Week In On Demand — March 1, 2019

The gig economy never sleeps, but fortunately, we’ve kept track of all the top headlines so that you don’t have to. From IPOs to storage wars, here’s what you missed this week.

DoorDash Announces $400 Million Funding Round

Late last week, news hit that DoorDash has raised another $400 million. The Series F funding round consisted of eight investors, which was led by Temasek Holdings and Dragoneer Investment Group. Now, the company has reached total funding of $1.4 billion, bringing its valuation to $7.1 billion.

The latest investment round appears to be a direct response to Postmates IPO filing last month. While DoorDash didn’t quite reach their reported $500 million goal, the resulting valuation boost still puts the company on firm ground. They’ll need the massive war chest they’ve amassed as it seems the company is forgoing going public anytime in the near future.

Clutter Snags $200 Million Investment

There’s an on demand service for just about every industry now, so it shouldn’t be surprising that storage services are joining that list. Clutter is an on demand storage, packing, and moving service that hopes to make both long- and short-term storage, along with moving, more affordable. Last Wednesday the startup announced it raised $200 million in its Series D round.

Led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund, the funding included six investors and brought the company’s total funding amount to just over $296 million. The platform is currently only available in a handful of cities, including New York and Chicago, but the latest funding will power their goals for expansion.

Lyft Prepares for April IPO & Launches Discount Ride Feature

Since New Year’s Day, the ridesharing industry has been waiting in anticipation for Lyft and Uber’s market launch. Finally, Lyft has made a move. Reportedly, the company is planning to start its pre-market roadshow on March 18 and officially enter the market at the beginning of April.

Lyft has yet to verify the details, but the rideshare business has chosen to list on the Nasdaq. Currently, the company is expecting an IPO value of anywhere from $20 billion to $25 billion. In comparison, Uber expects a $120 billion valuation. However, the latter hasn’t yet released any new dates or information regarding their IPO.

In preparation for the market entrance, Lyft is also attempting to entice riders from other platforms and build customer loyalty. Last Thursday, the company launched a brand new discount ride feature called Shared Saver. The service offers reduced rates for a carpool-style ride in which passengers meet at designated pickup locations nearby, which is designed to compete with Uber’s Express Pool offering.

Uber and Lyft Planning to Reward Drivers With IPO Access

While we’re on the topic of IPOs, Lyft and Uber’s battle to the public market may not just line the pockets of traditional employees. On Thursday, news broke that both companies are planning to help some of their drivers to buy shares at the initial market cost. This is a significant move considering Lyft and Uber drivers are classified as freelance contractors and not full-time employees.

The two rideshare companies are reportedly taking similar approaches to the process with a few notable differences. Both business’ are planning to give cash bonuses to selected drivers, which can be used for purchasing stocks. For Uber, eligibility requirements aren’t set in stone yet with approved drivers offering either a high trip number or a significant time working with the company. Lyft, on the other hand, is planning to reward drivers based on overall ride totals beginning with $1,000 for 10,000 trips and $10,000 for 20,000 rides.

Uber Celebrates London Court Win

Uber hasn’t had the most successful 2019. After reporting Q4 losses and filing a lawsuit against New York City, the rideshare company is in need of some good news, and now, they’ve got it. First up, the United Cabbies Group in London lost their latest lawsuit claiming that the Uber’s permit approval was issued by a magistrate with financial ties to the company. However, since the case was dismissed, Uber gets to keep their 15-month operational permit in the city.

Lime Welcomes CFO

In other e-bike news, Lime is welcoming a new c-suite member. Ted Tobiason will take the role as the company’s first chief financial officer. Previously, Tobiason served as a managing director at Morgan Stanley. He is joined by fellow new team members CTO Li Fan and CMO Duke Stump — both of which were hired a few weeks ago.

The move culminates a successful month for Lime. Along with c-suite expansions, the company announced a $310 million Series D round, which brought their valuation to $2.4 billion. The company did hit a roadblock in San Francisco, but there’s a high probability they’ll gain access to the city’s e-scooter pilot program in the spring. As of now, it appears the company is making big moves in preparation for IPO.

That covers it for this week’s on demand news wrapup. Don’t forget to check back next week to ensure you’re always up-to-date on the latest gig economy headlines.

Archive for month: March, 2019