New ride share service in Alexandria sees consistent growth, during Metro shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. — We’re weeks away from the end of the Metro shutdown, and Metro riders are still finding ways to get around, using other alternatives.
One of those alternatives is the ridesharing company Via.
“It’s quicker and then not having to worry about being out so late at night,” said rider Blossom Graham.
She added the app, when the company expanded their service to Alexandria at the end of May.
“Our expansion goes all the way out to the Alexandria/Springfield area. We wanted to make sure we covered all the metro stations in Alexandria that are shutdown,” said Via General Manager Ryan Sullivan.
Via started in New York City in 2013.
“We saw it as an opportunity to introduce people to our product and give them an alternative,” Sullivan said.
So far, Via has provided more than 20,000 rides in the Alexandria area and Sullivan says the growth continues during the shutdown.”
“Growing on average, about 10 percent each week,” Sullivan said. “It’s one of our fastest growing regions.”
The company’s prices are more than a one way trip on a metro bus, but it’s a price some are willing to pay for convenience.
“The average price of Via is about $5-6, depending on how far you’re going,” he said.
“90% of our rides in Alexandria are shared rides.”
As to be expected, many of the Via rides are happening during rush hour.
Via hopes to continue seeing growth after the shutdown.
