HiTCH

Hitch operates as an intercity transportation platform, focusing on connecting passengers with drivers who are already heading in the same direction. The company was conceptualized in 2016 by Kush Singh, who, as a student frequently traveling between Austin and Dallas, identified a market for a more convenient and affordable alternative to buses and trains. Facing the challenge of intercity travel firsthand, Singh and his co-founder, Tanuj Girish, both dropped out of the University of Texas at Austin to launch the venture. The service was created to bridge the gap between hundreds of people taking buses and the hundreds of drivers with empty seats in their cars.

The business model is centered on a commission-based system, where Hitch takes a percentage of each transaction facilitated through its mobile application. This app, available on iOS and Android, allows passengers to book rides and drivers to post their travel plans. Hitch provides two main service tiers: a standard shared-ride option with prices starting as low as $15, and 'Hitch Premier,' which offers private, door-to-door service beginning at $79. This model proved particularly resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a shift toward private travel preferences contributed to a 400% growth in business during 2020. The platform emphasizes flexibility, with the vast majority of bookings made on the same day as the trip. To ensure safety, all drivers undergo comprehensive background checks.

Hitch's primary market is long-distance, city-to-city travel, serving as a solution for individuals who find traditional options inconvenient or expensive. The company operates across Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma. Beyond passenger transport, the platform also accommodates same-day, intercity delivery of small packages. The company's co-founders include Kush Singh as CEO, Tanuj Girish, and Jay Manickam as Chief Strategy Officer. Manickam, a serial entrepreneur and MBA graduate from UT Austin, brings experience from founding other startups, including uShip.com. Girish, who studied Electrical Engineering, contributed his self-taught app and web development skills to the team.

Keywords: intercity travel, ridesharing, carpooling, long-distance transportation, peer-to-peer, shared mobility, transportation network, city-to-city travel, ground transportation, mobile booking, travel app, door-to-door service, private rides, shared rides, transport logistics, Kush Singh, Tanuj Girish, Jay Manickam, Texas startups, Florida transport