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RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 12:58 pm
by DaveKCMO
RideKC Freedom launched today. It's a one-year pilot.
http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/new ... ail-a-ride
Here’s how it works: In two test areas of the city – one in the northland and another south of the river – riders can download the ATA’s RideKC Freedom On-Demand app (a call-in number is available for those without smartphones) and request a pick-up, much like traditional ride-sharing services. Then, using a combined fleet of taxies, other public transportation cars and private automobiles, a car will pick up the user.
The ATA says the fares for the general public are competitive with other ride-sharing services – a base rate of $10 for the first five miles, and $2 for each mile after.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 2:30 pm
by JBmidtown
I really hope KCATA sticks with this pilot longer than they did late night service. These things take more than a year to gain momentum. And I'm still upset I can no longer take the Troost Max after midnight.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 5:59 pm
by WoodDraw
What's the purpose of this? Why try to compete with Lyft and Uber?
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 6:44 pm
by DaveKCMO
The primary goal is to better serve the disabled population. Since it's taxi-based, kcata decided to make it available to everyone else. A portion of every "retail" trip goes back to the agency.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 7:16 pm
by beautyfromashes
DaveKCMO wrote:A portion of every "retail" trip goes back to the agency.
Nothing like when the government can skim some profit off the top and compete with already established businesses.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 7:19 pm
by DaveKCMO
It's an unsubsidized taxi trip, passed through a third party brand. Your point?
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 7:29 pm
by pash
.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 8:04 am
by kcjak
pash wrote:I applaud the mindset of making it available to everybody, but the premium-turned-subsidy attached to non-disabled riders is a bad idea. The price is not competitive with Uber, and the experience probably won't be either. It would be better to try to get as many people riding it as possible—which means making it available as cheaply as possible, i.e., giving the ATA's cut back to the customer—and take it from from there.
My understanding is that short trips (less than 5 miles?) will be a flat $10. The last time I took Uber home (W 39th) from work (Crown Center) it was just over $12, and taxis have a history of trying to take the slowest, more expensive routes that typcially cost $14-$15. Why wouldn't I opt for RideKC Freedom over either of those?
Is there surge pricing? If not, I could use this for events at Sprint Center and not have to worry about jacked up Uber pricing or fighting for taxis.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 8:10 am
by shinatoo
ADA: $3 for the first 8 miles & $2 each mile after
Ages 65+: $5 for the first 8 miles & $2 each mile after
General public: $10 for the first 5 miles and $2 each mile after
Trip sharing
http://ridekc.org/mobility-services/rid ... m-ondemand
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 4:43 pm
by DaveKCMO
No surge pricing.
The model doesn't require a lot of full fare users to be successful. If you want an alternative to Uber or want to give a little back to the transit system, it's there for you to use.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 9:46 pm
by DaveKCMO
RideKC Freedom is expanding to all of Wyandotte County on April 1.
Re: RideKC Freedom
Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2018 8:54 am
by DaveKCMO