Golf Cars Are the New Ubers, Which Are the New Taxis
Uber and Lyft are revolutionizing the taxi industry, golf cars enter the landscape. In downtown metro areas across the country, low speed vehicles, aka golf cars, are edging their way into the transportation sector. Tourists and locals alike are loving the experience of cruising around metro areas in customized golf cars. Getting across town has never been easier or more fun.
Founded in 2009, Uber revolutionized the way that people move from place to place. Seemingly since the beginning of time, the cumbersome system of calling or hailing a taxi is all we had for downtown transportation. Being able to “hail a cab” with a digital app has become a verb- Ubering. And now enter golf cars. Most golf car ride services can be hailed, called, and some even have associated apps.
Here are a few of our favorites:
GEST, Newport, KY
GEST, or Green Easy Safe Transportation is operating in Newport, KY and is FREE. GEST is a Cincinnati based company offering ride services in several major US locations. Their goal is to promote entertainment and safe travel in entertainment districts by providing free transportation in the form of golf cars. The service is offered for free, as advertising on the top of the electric vehicles is their source of revenue.
FreeRide LLP, Columbus, OH
Also offered as a free service, the drivers are paid in the form of tips. People in the Short North area know to look for the lifted custom carts when they need a ride and it has become a popular downtown experience. Hailing a golf car prevents having to worry about parking or drinking and driving.
Nickel Ride, Naples, FL
Although the name would suggest that rides are five cents, this service is actually free, also. Polaris Gems are used to transport downtown visitors around the tropical paradise. The service has reduced downtown congestion and become a popular tourist experience. The ride share service covers a two mile radius which includes popular destinations like the Naples Zoo, Naples Pier and the popular Beach Club.
FreeBee, South Florida
FreeBee markets their service by leading with their partnership with South Florida’s Climate Action Plan and highlighting the fact that their service relies on clean energy. FreeBee has a user friendly app that is used to request a ride. Not only will they drive passengers to popular destinations and shopping spots, they also hook them up with the best discounts and “freebies” in the area. It has never been so easy to get around Miami.
Just when we thought the ride share industry had settled down a bit, golf cars are leading the next disruption. Next time you find yourself downtown, look around for the newest and best golf car ride share and hop on!
About the Author: The Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, Julie Starr was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf car products. Her eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com, has been serving golf car owners since 2008 and the store remains a popular online shopping experience for golf car owners who want to take their golf cars to the next level.
