[ibimage==40752==Large==none==self==ibimage_align-center]The ridesharing game is getting competitive. While major players Uber and Lyft duke it out in public, a lesser-known competitor is making its bones by offering Chicagoans a very sweet deal this week only.
During its peak hours – evening commutes through Thursday (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.) and late nights over the weekend (8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday) – the plucky app Sidecar will provide free rides with no catch. It's not another sign-up bonus. While this offer stands, even existing customers can summon a Sidecar driver on the house.
In the wake of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's veto of a controversial bill that would have imposed serious regulations on ridesharing, Uber promises to significantly expand its Chicago operations. While Lyft is widely considered Uber's most serious competitor, Sidecar believes the space remains an open landscape. Along with Chicago, it has set up shop in five other major cities. Now it just needs radical promotions such as this one to establish itself.
[ibimage==40751==Medium==none==self==ibimage_align-right]The company recently received a $15 million vote of confidence from Richard Branson and other investors. “I like companies that are innovative, offer exciting customer experiences, and make the world better,” Branson said in an interview. “Transportation has been ripe for disruption for decades. An entrepreneurial company like Sidecar can take on the big guys with innovation and big ideas, not just big bank accounts. It has been reported this is a winner takes all market, but it’s not. These are early days and, like a lot of other commodity businesses, there is room for innovators on great customer experiences.”
So far, this fierce jockeying for position is working out well for Chicagoans. During dangerous driving hours, a free, safe set of wheels is a strong incentive to give Sidecar a try.
