We're currently updating our site with various new features. We've added PayPal as an option, and integrated new route processing algorithms to give riders the ability to find drivers offering rides through,even if not to,the riders' destinations. On the backend, we've added a new testing server to improve stability and minimize downtime. We hope to get the updates ready sometime this weekend.
Hello, and welcome to the blog for Ridester - the new way to travel. Here we'll reveal what's going on behind our doors and give you a chance to chime in.
Our recently unveiled Beta has generated all kinds of buzz. ABC News affiliate KVUE News featured us as seen here >>>
and theAustin Business Journal, among others, have covered our story. We've also seen great energy from the internet community with thousands of people joining Ridester in our first month.
As we continue to promote Ridester's Beta, we're listening closely to what you have to say. We're streamlining the site, fixing beta bugs as soon as we find them, and even adding cool new features based on your feedback. If you're an early adopter, we can't thank you enough for helping us along.
If you're new to this Ridester thing, check us out - as always, registration is FREE.
What is Ridester?
Ridester is a new online marketplace where people can buy or sell rides within a feedback rated community of travelers. By creating a marketplace for passenger space, we've empowered anyone to get anywhere for less.
Riders - Say you're in need of a ride from one city to another (ie - you don't a car, the car's the shop, or you're just tired of driving) simply go to Ridester, type in your trip itinerary and hit the "go" button. Ridester will instantly locate drivers who are leaving near where you're at, and going to or through where you need to go. Our automated system makes the process of sharing your journey simple, fast, and reliable. Instead of having to comb through a rideshare bulletin board where people are traveling on random routes scattered all over the place, with Ridester you simply register, run an automated search, and you're on your way. The feedback system works like eBay's, allowing the community to leave positive, negative, or neutral feedback for other members to benefit from.
Drivers - If you'd like to cover your gas/vehicle costs on a long drive or road trip, simply punch in your departure and arrival locations, set an asking price, and specify travel specifics such as whether you're a smoker or non-smoker, male or female, age, and your car cleanliness. Ridester will instantly notify you by email or optional text message when a rider is interested in traveling along your route. If you approve a rider, he or she receives your contact information, but only after paying your driver's fee! Once the trip is complete, you'll get the payment code from the rider, submit it to Ridester, and we'll mail you a check. It's that easy.
