E-hailing apps have been a fraught business in New York City, with angry black car drivers insisting that products like Uber and Hailo violate the sacred line between their service and the city's yellow cabs. But here's one that did manage to slide through the TLC—Bandwagon, an airport ride-sharing app that, if successful, will save passengers the two most oft-wasted resources when it come to traveling—time and money. From the app's website:
Every day millions of people travel, at the same time, in the same direction, but in separate vehicles, which makes trips more expensive and less pleasant for everyone. The status quo is anti-social and unsustainable.
In short, Bandwagon is designed "to match yellow-cab riders from LaGuardia Airport's Terminal C who want to travel anywhere in the city," Crain's reports. It offers a similar service for rides to the airport by selling seats—as opposed to rides—for black car services. The TLC determined that it's not breaking any rules, meaning it can continue negotiations to extend the service JFK and Port Authority.
The app would cut down on lines, but moreover, it will save passengers money. Riders currently split the fare, but Bandwagon is working to "offer a premium to cabdrivers." Commuting to the airport, the app uses software to match riders and coordinate pickup times, not unlike the blue SuperShuttles, though BandWagon of course takes a cut from of each seat it sells. A ride from midtown to LaGuardia will set you back $16, $29 to JFK, and $23 to Newark, which is launching Wednesday. That's compared with about $30 to $60—plus tip and toll—for a standard taxi or limo airport.
Then again, the city has also proved itself to be somewhat averse when it comes to sharing backseats with perfect strangers. After all, the last thing anyone wants is some creepmeister knowing not only where you live, but the most cost-effective route to get there.
