Ryding through Oxford!
The idea of “ridesharing” is taking big cities by storm, but was not available in Oxford until recent years. EZ-RYDR brings a unique twist, providing Oxford more variety in the ridesharing space – tailored perfectly to the college student! EZ-RYDR is a rideshare service that has thoroughly-vetted drivers and other available safety features that can help parents rest easier. It offers unlimited rides per month, and even one airport run per semester! Also, once you enter your pick-up and drop-off location, you can either request an on-demand ride or schedule one for a later day/time. There are 5 tiered subscription options designed to guarantee you or your student will avoid any surge pricing during peak hours. Think of it as a college student's meal plan for transportation; You can pay for as few as 3 rides per month or all the way up to unlimited rides. Subscriber's rides are only valid within a 5-mile geo-fenced area.
EZ-RYDR CEO Kyle Staude realized that his company could save lives, keep kids safe and help students avoid getting a DUI, the very mistake he made during his freshman year. “After a night of partying, and mistakenly thinking I was the ‘least drunk’– I thought I would be ok to drive – then I was pulled over for erratic driving,” said Staude. “The car reeked of alcohol and next thing I know I’m doing a sobriety test. I spent the night in the drunk tank with about 15-20 other guys, all there for the same reason.”
After getting out of jail the next morning (which happened to also be my father’s 45th birthday), scenarios of ‘what ifs’ plagued me: What if I had wrecked my car and injured or kill myself or my passengers? What if I wrecked with another (innocent) car on the road?
What if I accidentally ran over someone walking down that dark street?
This is where my passion to make EZ-RYDR available to every college student stems from. If EZ-RYDR can save a life or help a student avoid the hardships that result from a DUI - that’s how I will define success.”
Safety Aspects
EZ-RYDR is built on preventative safety principles. The subscription-based cost structure gives students zero reasons to put themselves in a risky situation. Whether it be going out for the night, walking back to the dorm after a night of studying or driving to class in bad weather, every ride is paid for with a single monthly fee. There is no reason not to use it!
EZ-RYDR is truly unique as a ridesharing service due to the intense vetting process used with their drivers. While one would hope the requirements by the city or state were stricter for screening drivers, EZ-RYDR is taking no chances. Drivers must pass checks greater than the minimum state requirements, including an in-person interview and safe driver evaluation. Also, all drivers must pass a drug test and are subject to subsequent random drug tests. Currently, neither the city nor the state requires drug testing of cab drivers.