Uber is arguably the most popular ride-hailing and sharing app in the US, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only travel app available. There are plenty of other apps like Uber you should check out if you dislike the said ride-sharing giant. And if that’s what you’re interested in, you are in the right place. Here, we’re going to showcase the top picks you can try.
Apps Like Uber You Should Check Out
Ready for our list? Brace yourself for an enjoyable ride to find the best apps you can use as Uber alternatives.
1. Lyft
The easiest way to find yourself an Uber alternative is to look at the popular ride-sharing app’s direct competition, Lyft. Like Uber, Lyft is a ride-sharing giant, offering its services to more than 600 cities. It even expanded internationally and is currently useable in 12 cities in Canada.
If you’re used to Uber, switching to Lyft will feel natural. The pricing is also demand-based, so you’ll have to face high prices during busy hours. However, what makes it different is that Lyft applies a 400% cap for its surge pricing.
What about other fees, you ask? Lyft charges fees for cancellation based on its guidelines. One example where you will need to pay is when you cancel the service way past the permitted timeframe. Another is if the driver isn’t running late yet you cancel within five minutes of the first projected arrival time. Lastly, if you cancel three or more active vehicles within 15 minutes, you’ll be billed $2.
As regards interesting offers, Lyft has many. Those that are worth trying are the Lyft Line and Lyft Lux. The former is a carpooling service, so you don’t have to shoulder costs alone. The latter is great for when you’re feeling fancy because it only provides you with a luxury car ride. Besides those, self-driving cars under Lyft will possibly be accessible in the near future. That is thanks to the company’s promising plans.
In terms of safety, Lyft ensures you and all its customers that every ride complies with public health and safety standards. Additionally, drivers are required to go through background checks and driving record screening annually. They also must comply with Lyft’s community safety programs.
Download from Google Play Store
2. Curb
One of the best taxi apps like Uber that’s constantly expanding is Curb. Through the app, you get access to more than 50,000 taxis and 100,000 drivers across 45 US cities. Moreover, it’s easy to get used to if you’ve had Uber or Lyft before. The same general principle applies: you book a ride and get to your destination via car. Simple, right?
As for the pricing, Curb is similar to Uber, computing the fee based on distance and time. It also estimates toll fees and government taxes by taking into account the route you’ll take. Additionally, canceling a ride 30 seconds after a driver assignment will incur a $3 fee.
What’s great about Curb is that it lets you pre-schedule pickups for an add-on fee of $2. With that functionality, you’ll never have to worry about waiting for an available driver for too long again. You can even compare its prices in-app with other services so you can save even more money.
Curb is also incredibly convenient because you can pay in-app through code-matching with your taxi. As a result, you can limit physical contact. The app is also safe because it only works with licensed and insured drivers.
Download from Google Play Store
3. Waze Carpool
Waze started as a crowd-sourced navigation app to help users like you navigate through traffic and congested areas. Later on, the app expanded to include Waze Carpool, one of the best apps like Uber for transportation in the US and other countries.
Waze Carpool is unconventional in terms of pricing. That’s because the price isn’t calculated automatically like other apps like Uber. Instead, it’s set by drivers and riders, allowing both parties to agree before booking. And you don’t have to worry about the fairness of that method because Waze Carpool does have suggested prices based on gas and other costs. Also, the prices have caps set by Waze.
Unfortunately, Waze Carpool has some downsides, being a community-based app. For example, there are no cancellation fees for riders or drivers. However, the app does track your cancellation frequency and it can set you as a low priority if you are a frequent canceller or no-show customer. You may even get blocked from using the app eventually if the behavior is excessive.
Additionally, Waze Carpool doesn’t have a feedback system or driver screening. It’s all mostly based on mutual trust in the Waze community. Nonetheless, if you like what the service does, you can download Waze Carpool now.
Download from Google Play Store
4. Addison Lee
Addison Lee is one of the apps like Uber for folks in the UK and is growing its business globally, including in the US. Through the Addison Lee official website and the app, you can book a car from numerous places across the country. Moreover, you can even pre-book journeys up to three months in advance for future travel plans.
What’s great about Addison Lee is how high-quality and flexible the service is. Through it, you can book several car types and get rides for groups. Furthermore, it even lets you choose a bicycle or pet-friendly option, which is refreshingly unique compared to other apps like Uber.
Addison Lee takes into account your security and provides only the best car options out there. You can book rides for business or personal travel and rest easy knowing that the drivers are trained, insured, and vetted. It’s also safe because it has quarantine protocols, social distancing, and contactless safety measures in place. Moreover, the service offers only good cars, from everyday vans or sedans to high-end vehicles. Once you make a booking, you can select whether you want to pay via cash, card, or PayPal.
In terms of pricing, Addison Lee charges a fair amount. Some say it’s pricier than UberX, but your mileage may vary. Also, the service doesn’t charge surge fees. You get upfront fixed rates instead. If you cancel the booking, the fee for your action only applies five minutes after your driver has been assigned.
Download from Google Play Store
5. Gett
Gett is not your ordinary Uber alternative app. That’s because it focuses on aggregating ride services from other ride-hailing and sharing apps (e.g., Lyft). Through Gett, you can book a ride from Lyft or its other partner companies. It’s more prominent abroad, though, so the app’s still limited within the US.
Despite Gett being unavailable in some places, you’ll still discover that it’s a great app for booking different kinds of transportation. Whether you need traditional cabs for your daily commutes or limousines for fancy nights out, you can rely on Gett. Furthermore, you can even organize corporate fleets for employees through it.
Gett is inexpensive because it doesn’t charge higher fees during busy hours and drivers get an hourly wage. Also, if you ever change your mind, Gett allows for free cancellations as long as a driver hasn’t been assigned. Otherwise, you’ll incur a cancellation fee. That cost is about $6 to $7 if the driver is on the way or the full amount if they’ve arrived.
Gett is also safe with its real-time ride tracking enabled in-app, local policy-based security setting customizations, and more.
Download from Google Play Store
6. Scoop
Scoop might seem to be one of the typical carpooling apps like Uber. However, it’s unique because of its work-centric features. Through the app, you can schedule which days you’ll go to work in person and have your commute arranged beforehand. Moreover, you can even automatically mark yourself present once you enter your company’s geofence.
Apart from what’s mentioned, Scoop has handy workplace safety features concerning COVID-19. You can track vaccination requirements, do contact tracing, provide workplace guidelines, and so much more. Through the app, you’ll never again have to worry about commuting to work during these troubled times.
Scoop also prioritizes safety by providing driver photos, vehicle and company information, and more to end-users. Also, all its drivers need to pass a motor history test and receive a review on every trip. You can even monitor your trip.
Price-wise, Scoop is affordable and can save you 50 to 100 percent of the typical costs of commuting. However, the cost per trip will still vary based on origin location, route distance, destination, and more. You’re also allowed only one free cancellation unless it’s done last-minute (e.g., within an hour of the first pickup). Beyond that, you’ll incur charges of $5 to $10 depending on the conditions.
Of course, Scoop also has downsides compared to other apps like Uber. For example, it operates in a limited number of states in the US. These include the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle Metro Area, Portland, Tempe, Detroit Metro Area, Phoenix, Reno, and Los Angeles. Beyond the said places, you’ll have to find another solution for your workplace commuting needs. Nonetheless, it’s still a good option.
Download from Google Play Store
7. Via
Ride-sharing helps you save cash when using apps like Uber. If that’s the main benefit you’re looking for, check out Via.
With Via, you get lower prices compared to competitor apps. But there’s a trade-off — the rides aren’t flexible. That’s because Via mainly focuses on fixed routes like those of buses. All you can do is indicate your destination and your booked vehicle will bring you to the drop-off point nearest to it. You might need to walk a bit to reach the exact place. And if you want to cancel a ride, you can do so for free within a minute after booking. If you exceed the time limit, you’ll get billed $3.
Despite that limitation, Via works in various locations. Supported areas include Arlington, Chicago, New York, West Sacramento, LA, Salt Lake City, Birmingham, Cupertino, Newton, and Washington D.C. Moreover, you can even use the app internationally because it’s also available in 20 other countries.
Security-wise, Via ensures safe rides. And one way it does that is by requiring face masks, setting a limited number of passengers, and conducting symptom checks during the pandemic. Both drivers and riders are subject to these measures.
Download from Google Play Store
8. Wingz
Wingz might not have extensive coverage but its unique offerings make it worth checking out. Using the said app, you can book two kinds of rides. The first one is travel to and from airports — the service that started the app and propelled its success. The other is around-the-town rides in select US cities.
As of this writing, Wingz services 21 airports and 16 areas in the metro. You can book its services two months before your ride so everything’s settled — great for frequent travelers. Moreover, the services are always affordable because the company promises low, flat rates below that of taxis and limousines.
Additionally, Wingz drivers are all screened, interviewed, and covered by insurance worth $1 million. With that, you’re safe when booking via the app. Furthermore, you can even create a list of favorite drivers so you can ride with someone you trust each time. Also, all parties are required to wear a mask during the pandemic.
In terms of cancellation, Wingz works differently compared to other apps like Uber. For one, you can only cancel for free less than two hours before your pick-up time. Otherwise, you’re charged a fee. The only exception is when the cancellation is out of your control. That means it could still be free if your flight is canceled or your driver is late.
Download from Google Play Store
Benefits of Using Apps Like Uber
Using apps like Uber comes with a lot of benefits. Perhaps the best of those is that the apps eliminate the inconveniences of the traditional taxi-hailing method. No need to desperately find a cab when you’re not at a taxi bay. You just have to do a few taps on your smartphone, then you can rest in a café while waiting for your driver.
Another great perk you get from the apps is that you can pre-book a ride and choose cashless payments. With advanced or scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs, you no longer have to tinker with your app on the spot or repeat the booking process if your destinations are the same daily. With online transactions, you don’t need to search your pocket for loose bills just to pay the exact amount. You even save some money if you’re sharing the ride with someone else.
Also Read: Uber Eats – Uber’s Food Delivery Offshoot
Choose Your App Wisely
Although you now have many apps like Uber to try for ride-hailing and sharing, choose wisely the best one to stick with based on your experience. After all, people have different needs when commuting. We hope you find the right app from the list that can make your trips convenient, budget-friendly, and safe.
