New Queer Rideshare Service ‘LGBTQ+ Ride’ Hits the Road and It’s Amazing

September 25, 2023
TOMMY

For a myriad of reasons, the standard rideshares aren't always ideal. From the drivers who casually drop homophobic slurs to the absolute rage one feels when there is surge pricing because of a rainstorm, blizzard, or concert... rideshares leave Queer people feeling like they're getting fucked (not in the fun way). Well, at long last, there's a rideshare service to solve those problems: the aptly titled LGBTQ+ Ride.

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Founded by Stephen Ridl and Robert Taylor, LGBTQ+ Ride describes itself on its website as a "ride-share for the LGBTQ+ community, disabled, and our allies!" Fleshbot had the chance to talk with Ridl, who told us a bit about why they're creating the new rideshare company. "We started LGBTQ+ride because we witnessed our friend dressed in a kilt and harness going from one LGBTQ bar to another. The driver showed up, looked at him, and drove away. He said this happens often," Ridl said. In addition to safer service for Queer people, there's even more icing on the cake. There's never any surge pricing or added fees.

The app operates the same as your other rideshare apps, but unlike Lyft, Uber, and the like, it also offers you the option of longer-term rentals and chartered events, as well. Let me explain.

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LGBTQ+ Ride at its simplest is like any other rideshare: you need a ride, you call for one, and it brings you there. Easy. But the new service goes beyond the basic offerings and also offers two other featured services: specific airport service and chartered hourly, as well. For the airport services, it's a cheaper fare than you'll pay with the Lyft or Uber, and their heavily vetted drivers are also ready with any community news and knowledge you may need or want. But maybe you're looking for something a bit longer term, like a wedding or a corporate event. Well, as their website says, LGBTQ+ Ride is available for any event you might have. "Weddings, Business Meetings, Concerts, or just a night out on the town," it says. Even more impressive, they add, "We can customize our service based on your plans."

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Another feature that makes the new service so unique is that you can choose your driver. "LGBTQ+ride is unique in that we are allowing our riders to choose their own drivers so they can feel comfortable, safe, and build a repeat relationship with the driver." Ridl told us. And gawds forbid something should happen or there was a medical emergency, "We have a safety button for the driver & rider that calls 911 with the location of the car," Ridl told us.

The company also gives back to the community. "Every year, we will be donating to the LGBTQ+ Centers in the areas that we drive as well as the ASPCA and Local Pet Shelters," Ridl said. And not for nothing, the drivers of LGBTQ+ Ride earn more money than the big-name rideshares. We love to see it! Make that coin, Queer fam. If you're interested in becoming a driver, their team of drivers is growing rapidly with the company vetting new additions daily. Head to their site to find out more info on joining their team.

Though it started in Palm Springs, LGBTQ+ Ride now reaches Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, Sacramento, and surrounding areas with plans to reach even more of the country soon. You can download the app on Apple and Google app stores.