RideScout Enhances 24/7 Public, Private and Social Transportation Options; Launches in DC

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- RideScout, a free mobile app that connects users to public, private and social modes of transportation, has arrived in Washington, DC.  On the heels of a successful beta test this summer, RideScout has added several new features and expanded its family of partners including popular international taxi e-hailing service Hailo.  Hailo joins over a dozen existing partners including car2go, Sidecar, Capital Bikeshare, Metro bus and rail, DC Circulator, ART, DASH, DC Pedicab, and Alexandria Yellow Cab.

Recently added partners and in-app updates provide RideScout users with around the clock transportation options for the DC Metro area.  New features include enhanced trip cost estimation, sorting ride options by cost or time, walking and biking routes with an estimation of calories burned, and improved social rideshare functionality.

"We chose Washington, DC as our first launch city because it has some of the worst traffic in the country while at the same time having one of the widest array of transportation options available," said Joseph Kopser, Co-Founder and CEO of RideScout.  "The problem is people can't see and compare their options in real-time. RideScout solves that problem."

RideScout officially launched in Washington, DC on November 20th and marked the occasion with a private event at startup campus 1776.  Notable attendees included Mayor Vincent Gray, Taxicab Commissioner Ron Linton,  several Members of Congress, and former White House CTO, Aneesh Chopra.

"It's one of my goals as mayor to help the District of Columbia become one of the healthiest, most livable cities in the country," Mayor Gray said. "I'm happy to be a part of RideScout's launch because they are working towards a similar goal--helping to make existing and emerging transportation resources more accessible to all our residents."

RideScout has been growing steadily prior to launch, with over 700% growth in active users since July 1, 2013.

"The Commission is pleased to welcome burgeoning options like RideScout that facilitate public transportation in the District," said DC Taxicab Commission Chairman Ron M. Linton.

RideScout is the only app that provides point-to-point trip planning services with public, private, and social ridesharing options in one view. RideScout has launched in DC, but the app is available in any city where its national ride providers are available.

About RideScout, LLC: Started by two veterans turned entrepreneurs, RideScout is the "Kayak of ground transportation." The company's iPhone and Android apps aggregate ground transportation options, allowing you to search and compare them on-demand. The company unveiled its alpha product at SXSW Interactive in March 2013 and was selected as one of the 10 best startups by Complex Media. Visit ridescoutapp.com.

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SOURCE RideScout