The best alternatives to Uber and Lyft

There are plenty of reasons why you may be looking for an Uber alternative the next time you need a ride — maybe you’ve read some negative reviews or have heard of others who have had less than positive experiences with them. Or maybe you find the payment structure confusing and expensive, especially when you end up being subjected to surge prices. Whatever your issues may be, check out these Uber and Lyft alternatives so you can get to your destination on your own terms. And before you try to rent a car instead of using Uber, learn if the cost is worth the benefits.

1. Avail

Avail car sharing lets drivers 21 and older rent a car in neighborhoods throughout Chicago and Denver. Unlike a rideshare, you’re the one behind the wheel. Book a car for the days you need it and enjoy all of the perks that come with borrowing from Avail. For starters, all Avail locations are self-service, so you can pick up the car you booked and drop it off without waiting in line or meeting up with a stranger. Every Avail trip offers insurance coverage from Allstate and 24/7 roadside assistance. If something happens while you’re driving, you have peace of mind knowing you’re covered. There’s also no fee to add a second driver, so you can split the cost with a friend and share the car to run errands or go on a getaway together. Finally, there’s no fee to cancel or change your reservation, so your ride can be as flexible as your schedule.

2. Wingz

Wingz is an alternative to Uber and Lyft when you need a ride to the airport. Drivers go through an intensive vetting process in addition to health and safety training. Wingz drivers focus on customer service. You can schedule your rides months in advance, and then enjoy drivers who arrive on time so you don’t have to sit around waiting. Plus, the cost is cheaper than picking up a taxi from the airport.

3. Curb

Download the Curb app to access traditional taxis in major cities, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Miami. It has the same ride booking and digital, contactless payment features you love from Uber or Lyft, while getting you access to fully licensed and insured taxi cab drivers. Plus, you’ll see your cab fare upfront, giving you total transparency into the actual cost of your trip instead of stressing as the meter ticks higher.

4. HopSkipDrive

Need a car service similar to Uber that helps you get your kids safely from place to place? HopSkipDrive has a network of vetted CareDrivers who can pick up your kids from school and after-school activities and drive them home. There are multi-factor authentication protocols in place so that your child and their driver can identify each other. And each ride is tracked in real time by the HopSkipDrive customer support team. Plus, parents also get mobile alerts to track their child’s ride. 

5. Kidcaboo

Kidcaboo is another ridesharing program designed to help parents with their children’s one-time or recurring transportation needs. All drivers are vetted nannies, so you know your child is being driven with childcare expertise. Once you request a ride, you can see your driver’s profile and approve the choice. You can even schedule a time to meet in advance so you’re fully comfortable with your driver. There is also GPS tracking software within the app so you know your child’s location every step of the way. Currently, Kidcaboo is available in Arizona, Connecticut, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

Bottom line

Using Lyft and Uber to get around while traveling can quickly become expensive. It may be worth it if you are only making a few short trips, but otherwise options like Avail car sharing may be a better deal.