Ride-sharing app acts as throwback to traditional hitch-hiking

Hitch-hiking has modernised with a technological face to help people travel long distances with ease.

Spotted: Various innovations have sought to revolutionise transport methods. From location-based ads on ride-share car windows, to radars that help self-driving cars, Springwise has followed explorations in travel extensively in recent months. A ride-sharing app is now bringing a modern technological edge to the traditional practice of hitch-hiking.

In its very name, Hitch pays tribute to old methods of hitch-hiking, seeking to modernise such methods through innovative technology. They aim to make the long-distance ride-sharing experience seamless and enjoyable to both the rider and the driver. Riders simply check into the app and look for an available driver, meeting at a pickup location, — usually a Starbucks or similar. Riders only need to book their rides 45 minutes to an hour before the driver’s arrival.

In comparison to other ride-sharing services, Hitch drivers do not drop off customers at individual locations. Drivers will ideally already be travelling to the destination city and then select an ideal drop-off point for everyone in the car. If the driver so chooses, they can drop off riders at individual locations when convenient. This way, the driver can benefit financially off a drive they would do anyway, and the process is made easier for both sides.

The app is available to download on iOS and Android. Hitch has already initiated a soft launch and the team is putting it through operational tests. The company is starting with €23 rides from Austin to Houston, but the goal is to expand into other major cities in Texas.