RedCap, launched late last year, is a membership-based, on-demand driver service providing one-way or round-trip services for people unable to drive themselves after an evening of drinking, or when the convenience of a car service is desired. As an alternative to limo services and taxis, RedCap uses the “your car, our driver” method, where drivers transport passengers in their own cars.
The advantage of this method over traditional car services and taxis, according to the company, is that it is more affordable (the fees for waiting times and the rates per hour run about half of what they are for limos, for example) and more comfortable (people tend to prefer the comfort of their own vehicles to taxis driven by strangers).
For events, planners can book and pay for the service on their guests' behalf, or individual members can use RedCap’s on-demand service by texting, calling, or emailing the company at least 30 minutes before the desired pickup time, or by making a reservation through the company’s Web site. A fully trained and insured driver picks up the customer, drives the customer to his or her desired destination, and returns the keys. After dropping off a passenger, RedCap drivers report to their next assignment via their own vehicles (after round-trips), full-size scooters (which are never stored in the member's trunk), or RedCap-branded "chase" vehicles, which follow the driver and the member.
Customers are billed a standard rate per mile ($20 for the first three miles, then $3 per additional mile). Alternately, customers can choose the hourly MyDriver service ($35 per hour, with a three-hour minimum), ideal for passengers visiting many locations in an evening—if, for example, they're taking clients out for a night on the town with clients. The company offers different prepaid packages with discounted rates based on usage.
The company provides on-demand service primarily in Broward County, but accepts advance reservations throughout the rest of the tri-county area. The company keeps a profile for each member (individual or company), containing credit card information and preferences or specific instructions.
