Need
a ride? The makers of the SideCar
smartphone app are offering them for free Saturday night.
The move follows a recent flap with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) which
put the kibosh on SideCar's operations after conducting a sting, where
employees witnessed customers paying drivers for rides without the clearance to
do so.
PPA oversees cabs and limousine service in the city and regulates the business
side of taxi-like travel.
The
San Francisco-based app firm responded with to the city's cease and desist order
not charging customers, for now.
A co-founder with the company confirmed the free rides Saturday night, meaning
customers would not have to pay a suggested "donation" to their driver at the
end of their ride.
Instead
of collecting fees, SideCar users typically pay a recommended amount of money for
a trip from Point A to Point B.
The
app finds users via GPS and allows them to indicate their destination on a
map. A message is then sent to the
nearest driver, shows their picture and the vehicle being driven.
The
digital map allows users to see where the closest drivers are in relation to their
location.
The
company says all drivers are screened via a background check. SideCar
is operating on Friday and Saturday nights only for the time being in
Philadelphia.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Monday, May 13 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-13 17:53:44 GMT
Mother's Day just wasn't the same for Olga Ortiz of Newark, NJ. She said her daughter Melissa Rodriguez of Collingdale, would have spent the holiday weekend with family up there, but has not been seen
Police consider rebooting investigation of missing Delco mother as her mother marks Mother's Day without her.
Sunday, April 7 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-04-07 21:32:07 GMT
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:01 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:01:42 GMT
Thursday weather looks damp and stormy. It will be mild and muggy to start with spotty showers early followed by afternoon and evening storms. Highs in the upper 70s with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:28 GMT
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
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