In today’s fast-paced world, mobility solutions have become indispensable for individuals and businesses alike. With the advent of technology, consumers now have the convenience of booking a ride at the touch of a button, offering a reliable and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. The demand for ride-hailing services in the U.S. has surged with projections indicating to expect a staggering $60.56 billion by 2029. This highly competitive market is filled with both established players and new entrants, striving to capture the attention of consumers and businesses alike.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top ride-hailing apps in the U.S., discuss what sets them apart, and explore how readymade software like VivoCabs streamlines your ride-hailing app development process.
1. Uber
Uber needs no introduction. Founded in 2009, Uber is the most recognized name in the ride-hailing industry worldwide while also leading the U.S. ride-hailing market with an impressive 76% market share. With its global reach and a broad array of services, the ride-hailing app operates in over 900 cities across the country. What sets Uber apart is not just its extensive service offerings but also its technological innovations. The app’s user-friendly interface allows passengers to seamlessly book rides, track their driver in real-time, and even share their ride details with family or friends for safety.
Founded In: 2009
Annual Revenue: $37.28 billion
Market Share (in the U.S.): 76%
Users in the U.S.: 44.1 million
2. Lyft
Lyft, Uber’s primary competitor in the U.S. ride-hailing market, has carved out its own niche by focusing on a strong user experience and fostering a positive driver-passenger culture. Founded in 2012, Lyft has expanded its footprint rapidly, covering over 600 cities. Lyft’s services are diverse, offering budget-friendly rides through Lyft Standard, as well as premium options like Lyft Lux and Lyft Lux Black. Lyft’s emphasis on community and driver incentives has earned it a loyal customer base.
Founded In: 2012
Annual Revenue (2023): 4.4 billion
Active Users (2023): 21.4 million
Users in the U.S.: 19.0 million
3. Grab
Although predominantly serving Southeast Asia, Grab has expanded its reach into global markets, offering an array of services beyond traditional ride-hailing. In the U.S., Grab caters primarily to specific niche markets, including partnerships with businesses and international travelers. Known for its user-centric approach, Grab prioritizes safety, transparency, and affordability. While not as prevalent in the U.S. as local giants like Uber or Lyft, Grab’s innovative business strategies and expansive ecosystem make it a valuable player for businesses looking to adopt similar business models. Its unique ability to combine multiple services offers a roadmap for diversification in a competitive market.
Founded In: 2012
Annual Revenue (2023): $2.359 billion
Gross Profit 2024 (TTM): +60.17% year-over-year
Total Visits: 26.45 million
Planning to Launch a Ride-Hailing App Uber or Lyft?
4. Bolt
Bolt, originally launched as Taxify, is an emerging player in the U.S. ride-hailing market. Capturing a market share of 8.79% in the U.S., Bolt is known for its competitive prices and high-quality service. Originally launched in Europe, Bolt has expanded to the U.S. in cities like Miami, where it competes with Uber and Lyft on price. What sets Bolt apart is its commitment to fair pay for drivers, which is central to its business model. While Bolt is still in the early stages of its U.S. expansion, its combination of affordable pricing and better pay for drivers positions it as a contender in the competitive ride-hailing space.
Founded In: 2013
Annual Revenue: $2.11 billion
Funding: $2.3 billion
Traffic Share (in the U.S.): 25.36%
5. Flywheel
Flywheel stands out in the U.S. ride-hailing market by seamlessly bridging the gap between traditional taxi services and modern app-based ride-hailing platforms. Unlike app-based competitors relying solely on independent drivers, Flywheel partners with licensed taxi operators, ensuring professional and regulated service. The app also supports corporate accounts, catering to B2B needs with streamlined billing and reporting. With operations primarily focused on key metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Seattle, Flywheel caters to both individual riders and businesses seeking consistent, regulated transport options. Flywheel’s unique positioning blends innovation with tradition, appealing to businesses and individuals seeking trustworthy, technology-enabled transportation.
Founded In: 2009
Annual Revenue: $14.1 million
Funding: $38.9 million
Traffic Share (in the U.S.): 62.68%
6. Curb
Curb offers a hybrid solution by merging traditional taxis with modern ride-hailing technology. Unlike apps like Uber and Lyft, which primarily rely on private car owners, Curb works with licensed taxi drivers, providing passengers with a traditional cab experience but through the convenience of an app. This model bridges the gap between old-school taxi services and the convenience of app-based ride-hailing. The apps operate in over 60 cities across the U.S., making it a convenient option in places where traditional taxis are still prevalent. With a focus on safety and reliability, Curb is a solid choice for passengers looking for a familiar experience with the convenience of technology.
Founded In: 1992
Annual Revenue: $21.4 million
Funding: $20.7 million
Traffic Share (in the U.S.): 91.69%
7. Gett
Gett is a global ride-hailing app that has found a foothold in the U.S. market, primarily focusing on business travel. Offering rides in major cities like New York and San Francisco, Gett targets corporate clients by providing high-end transportation solutions and streamlined billing for companies. The app allows businesses to book rides for employees and clients, track expenses, and manage travel logistics in a centralized platform. Although it isn’t as widely used by consumers as Uber or Lyft in the U.S., Gett’s corporate offerings give it a strong presence in the business-to-business (B2B) sector.
Founded In: 2010
Annual Revenue: $49.9 million
Funding: $928 million
Total Visits: 1.068 million
8. Via Transportation
Via stands out in the U.S. ride-hailing market by offering a unique shared-ride business model, focusing on pooling passengers going in the same direction. Available in major U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C., Via is particularly popular among commuters looking for a more economical way to travel. This reduces the cost of rides, making it an affordable option for commuters and daily travelers. This model is both environmentally friendly, as it reduces the number of vehicles on the road, and budget-friendly, as riders share the cost of the trip.
Founded In: 2012
Annual Revenue: $200 million
Funding: $887.1 million
Traffic Share (in the U.S.): 52.04%
9. Wingz
Wingz focuses on providing pre-scheduled airport rides, catering primarily to travelers who want guaranteed and timely transportation to and from airports. Unlike other on-demand services, Wingz allows users to schedule their ride hours, days, or even weeks in advance, ensuring a stress-free experience when catching a flight. Available in limited U.S. cities such as San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and Houston, Wingz is popular among frequent flyers who want to avoid price surges and long wait times associated with other ride-hailing services.
Founded In: 2011
Annual Revenue: $3.8 million
Funding: $13.7 million
Traffic Share (in the U.S.): 92.61%
10. Hitch
Hitch is a standout in the ride-hailing space for its focus on long-distance travel. It connects riders and drivers for intercity trips, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional transportation options. The app primarily operates in the major U.S. cities like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. Hitch operates on a scheduled service model, allowing users to book rides in advance, which is ideal for commuters and frequent travelers. With a commitment to reducing carbon footprints and fostering carpooling, Hitch positions itself as a socially responsible alternative in the ride-hailing space, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious customers and companies alike.
Founded In: 2019
Funding Type: Series A
Traffic Share (in the U.S.): 85.95%
Launch Your Own Ride-Hailing App in the U.S. with VivoCabs
Amidst numerous options available, VivoCabs emerges as an optimal choice for building and launching a ride-hailing app. VivoCabs is a powerful ride-hailing software designed to help businesses develop their ride-hailing apps quickly and efficiently, with significantly less investment compared to custom development.
Focused on enhancing the quality and efficiency of ride-hailing services, VivoCabs provides tailored solutions for taxi booking, car rentals, bike taxis, package deliveries, and more. Equipped with a comprehensive suite of features and functionalities, VivoCabs is designed to meet the diverse requirements of building a high-performing ride-hailing app. Here are some reasons why you should choose VivoCabs:
- Completely White Label
- Self-hosted and Secure
- Source Code Ownership
- One Time Payment for a Lifetime License
- No Recurring Charges
- Highly Scalable and Customizable
- Mult-Lingual and Multi-Currency
- One Year of Free Technical Support post-sale
VivoCabs is thoughtfully crafted to address the unique needs of all stakeholders, offering seamless functionality on both Android and iOS platforms. VivoCabs ensures a swift entry into the competitive market while delivering reliable performance and superior user satisfaction.
VivoCabs is your gateway to building a reliable, scalable, and successful ride-hailing business in the competitive U.S. market.
Know More About VivoCabs with a One-on-One Personalized Demo
To Sum Up
The U.S. ride-hailing market is diverse, offering options from budget-friendly rides to luxury services, as well as corporate and eco-friendly choices. By carving out a niche and adopting the right strategies, businesses can succeed and establish their brand among industry leaders. As the industry evolves, leveraging readymade software like VivoCabs can help businesses grow and stay competitive in the changing transportation landscape.
