Hitch

Hitch operates as a technology-driven, intercity transportation provider, carving out a niche in the long-distance ridesharing market for journeys between 50 and 350 miles. The company was conceived by Kush Singh, who, as a budget-conscious student at the University of Texas at Austin, frequently traveled between cities and identified a gap in the market. He, along with fellow UT Austin student Tanuj Girish, launched the service, which officially began operations around 2019. Both Singh, the CEO, and Girish, the CTO, eventually left their studies to dedicate themselves to the venture full-time. They were joined by Jay Manickam, a serial entrepreneur and founder of uShip.com, who serves as Chief Strategy Officer.

The business model is designed to connect passengers with drivers who are already planning to travel between the same cities, effectively monetizing empty seats in cars. Hitch generates revenue by taking a commission from each ride booked through its platform. The service primarily targets individuals and groups looking for a more flexible and affordable alternative to traditional buses, trains, or short-haul flights. The company's platform is accessible via iOS and Android apps, allowing users to book rides on the same day or up to 60 days in advance.

Hitch provides two main service tiers to cater to different customer needs and budgets. The standard service offers a seat in a shared car, with rides starting from as low as $15. This option typically involves meeting the driver at a designated public pickup location, like a coffee shop. For a premium, private experience, "Hitch Premier" offers door-to-door service starting at $79. The company emphasizes safety, with a screening process for all drivers that includes background checks and identity verification. Initially launched in Texas, the service has since expanded its operations to include major cities in Florida.

Keywords: intercity travel, long-distance rideshare, carpooling app, city-to-city transport, ride-sharing platform, Austin startup, Kush Singh, Tanuj Girish, travel tech, shared mobility, transportation network, on-demand travel, Texas rideshare, Florida rideshare, peer-to-peer transportation, ground transportation, travel booking, affordable travel, bus alternative, regional travel