Need a Lift? 6 Rideshare and Taxi Apps Bringing Colorado to Your Fingertips.

Written by April Bohnert
August 15, 2017Updated: March 10, 2023

Ridesharing apps have transformed the way we get around, making it safer, easier and more affordable to get where we need to go. And while apps like Lyft and Uber certainly paved the way for the mobile sharing economy, they’re not the only companies vying for a share of the market.

Here are six local ridesharing apps that can take you from A to B.

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Hovit is a mobile ridesharing app that focuses on building rider-driver relationships to improve safety and trust. Riders can search and request specific drivers, reserve rides in advance, and even save their favorite drivers to contact for future rides. Drivers, in turn, have the opportunity to build a clientele and set their own rates or accept the offers of potential riders. The app officially launched in Denver in December 2016 as the first Colorado-founded ridesharing app.

 

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Lyft is another well-known rideshare app that hails from Silicon Valley. These days, there isn’t a whole lot that differentiates Lyft from its primary competitor, Uber — except their very unique brands and their approaches to business. Lyft’s senior leadership has long focused on issues like sustainability and social responsibility and have been strong advocates for both their drivers and their riders.

 

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Last year, four University of Denver students came together to create an app perfectly suited to the adventure-seekers and outdoor-lovers Colorado is known for — specifically those who may not have regular access to a vehicle. Wanderlift helps users share rides to the places they love while reducing the number of vehicles on busy Colorado highways. (We’re lookin’ at you I-70.)

Unlike typical ridesharing apps that cater to the short-distance rider, Wanderlift targets people interested in riding longer distances. Drivers can post the rides they plan to take and set the price per seat, and riders can either search rides by date, time and destination or make a request for a ride anywhere throughout the state.

 

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Though headquartered in San Francisco, Uber operates an office in Denver, where it maintains a strong presence. It’s initial offering was rideshares for single passengers or small groups, but in recent years, the app has expanded to offering carpooling options, SUVs and larger vehicles for groups, and food delivery. Riders can also now input the precise pickup and dropoff locations to ensure a more accurate estimate of their ride fare.

 

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UZURV

Richmond, VA-based UZURV doesn’t offer rides directly, but they aggregate rides from popular apps like Uber and Lyft via their reservation platform. UZURV users can reserve rides with specific drivers, enabling them to schedule rides in advance and only ride with drivers whom they know and trust. The bonus for drivers is that they can better plan their days and their routes to maximize rides and profits.  

 

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Curb

Formerly known as Taxi Magic, Curb provides a mobile platform for a traditional industry. Similar to other ridesharing apps, it allows users to locate and request a ride based on proximity. The Long Island-based app launched in Denver in 2009 — years before other apps began competing for Colorado business. Of course, you’re able to pay with a credit or debit card through the app, but you’re also able to pay with cash in the cab.

 

Photos via social media and Shutterstock.

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