Tired of Spending a Fortune on Uber and Lyft? Try These Alternative Ride-Share Services

In recent years, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way people commute and travel, providing a convenient and, at times, more affordable alternative to traditional taxis. But not everyone is content to rely on the ride-hailing industry's two giants; some are starting their own companies to provide an Uber alternative. From businesses that offer larger cuts to drivers, to ones that staff and operate independently, here are nine ride-hailing services to consider when you're sick and tired of spending tons of money on Ubers and Lyfts. 

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Marketed as a more affordable and convenient alternative to traditional cabs, ARRO sets itself apart by giving riders the option to hail a taxi on the street and pay through the app, minimizing the hassle of using a credit card or cash. ARRO also hires locally-licensed drivers that undergo extensive background checks to give customers an added sense of safety and security. Additionally, ARRO offers upfront pricing, which can be more affordable than other ride-share services that rely on surge pricing during peak hours. 

The only downside? ARRO is currently only available in six major cities across the U.S.: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, and San Francisco.

Related: Thinking About Becoming an Uber Driver? Read This First

Available in more than 65 cities nationwide, Curb works by connecting riders with licensed and insured taxi drivers in the area. Similar to ARRO, users have the ability to hail a Curb cab on the street and pay for the ride through the app. Curb also allows riders to book a ride in advance — a useful tool for those traveling to airports. The company also offers transparent fees without surge pricing to give riders a more predictable and affordable ride-hailing experience. 

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If a limo is more your speed, consider Carmel for your ride-share needs. This New York City-based company has been in business for over three decades and provides transportation services in more than 350 cities across the world. Featuring a large fleet of late model sedans, minivans, stretch limousines, SUVs, and more, the company also offers a fixed-rate pricing model so you don't have to worry about surcharges or other hidden fees. 

Alto offers its full-time drivers company-sponsored benefits such as health insurance. Alto's employees are required to follow a dress code to provide a more professional and polished appearance, and are required to drive newer cars that are routinely cleaned and maintained. In addition, all of Alto's rides are "video recorded at all times" to provide users with an added sense of security. 

Initially focused on airport rides, Wingz expanded its services to include local transportation as well. A standout feature of the Wingz app is the ability to schedule rides in advance for a flat fare — up to two months in advance — providing added convenience for riders. Wingz also allows users to create a list of favorite drivers in the app, so they can enjoy a more consistent and trusted ride experience. 

While currently only available in 16 metro areas, including cities in California, Florida, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, the company has plans to expand.

Designed to facilitate carpooling with kids, GoKid is an app that allows parents to coordinate and schedule shared rides for their children with other trusted families in their community. By sharing rides, families can save money on transportation costs while reducing their carbon footprint and cutting down on the number of vehicles on the road. 

GoKid also provides added convenience for busy families by streamlining the process via in-app texting, automatic alerts, and calendar synching to reduce the stress of managing schedules. 

Founded in New York City during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Drivers Cooperative is a "worker-owned" company. According to the company, its drivers earn an average of 8% to 10% more per trip than if they were to drive with Uber or Lyft; each driver also owns a single share in the company in order to promote a sense of community and shared ownership. 

Available in more than 35 countries worldwide, Via is another ride-hailing alternative that provides affordable rides to passengers. Instead of being picked up and dropped off at exact locations, riders are directed to nearby street corners, typically a few blocks away. The company has also formed partnerships with several metropolitan cities, such as Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Seattle, to offer "on-demand public transportation" to expand its reach and provide convenient commuter services for its users. 

Based in Colorado, Lady on the Run is a private ride-share company servicing areas north and west of Denver, including: Broomfield, Lafayette, Boulder, Firestone, Frederick, and more. According to the owner, Kimberly Miller, all drivers are licensed and undergo background screenings, and rides can be booked days, weeks, or even months in advance. If you're ever in need of a ride to the airport or to a medical appointment, text or call 303-882-1590 to arrange for transportation.