Image courtesy zTrip
Those in Boulder, Colorado, can now catch some zTrips.
Via a press release, those in the area now have an option like Uber and Lyft in the form of cabs that might seem a bit familiar.
The release offers the following on a company that is moving into the future after ride-hailing apps turned the tide of consumer expectations: "zTrip, a new innovative taxi service will launch with a fleet of 60 vehicles in the Boulder market today. zTrip combines the trust and safety of a taxi service, with the ease and speed of an on-demand car service app, providing benefits not available from any other competing 'Car Hailing' service in the area."
As Daily Camera reports, the local taxis have been repurposed to make way for an innovation that is akin to an Uber service that is becoming all the more ubiquitous in major cities around the world.
The report states: "As of Tuesday, the fleet of Yellow Cabs in the county are now the zTrip fleet - 60 cars (mostly Scion XDs) that can be hailed via smartphone app."
This unveiling takes place at a rather auspicious time for the budding business. We previously reported on 100 Uber drivers striking in New York City over a decrease in fares.
READ MORE: Uber Rolls Out New Logo and Branding
This is where companies like zTrip might be able to step in and reinvent the classic taxi model.
The release lists myriad ways that it differentiates itself from a company like Uber.
Here are a few posted in the release: "No surge pricing: The same low price every time, whether it's 2 p.m. or 2 a.m.; Professional and licensed drivers with full fingerprint background checks: You don't have to worry about who is driving you home; 24/7 live customer service: You can talk to a live support team member anytime."
And, the most pertinent to travelers, this is relegated to the Boulder area.
Bill George, President of zTrip Boulder, offered thoughts on what could be a ray of hope for other companies that wish to wiggle their way into the Uber spotlight, stealing some fares back from ride-sharing companies that continue to dominate the market.
George proclaimed, "Unlike our competitors, we aren't fighting background checks, we are embracing them."
READ MORE: The Only Guide To Boulder, Colorado You Need
The president continued while highlighting the obvious safety features of zTrip: "As a parent of college students I don't want my kids ever driving after they have been drinking. However, I am also very concerned about who might pull up to drive them home - zTrip provides the solution to put parents at ease, without sacrificing the 'rideshare experience' that students are accustomed to."
At the moment you can hail a zTrip car on the street like a classic cab or by phone or in-phone app.
And there is a bit of monetary incentive at the moment: "To promote a safe ride home on Valentine's Day, and honor CU Boulder's 140th anniversary, zTrip will give away 140 free rides up to $25 in Boulder over the weekend (2/12/16 - 2/14/16)."
As previously mentioned, San Francisco's Yellow Cab succumbed to bankruptcy while citing the rise of Uber and Lyft for its demise.
In Boulder, they are finding a way to change with the times. The taxi isn't dead as long as you find a way to repurpose the fleet for the kind of trip commensurate with a new generation.
ZTrip may just be showing the industry the way home.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
