Lately, there’s been a spate of rideshare apps that have arrived on the scene. The most well-known of these are Lyft, Uber and Sidecar. What all of these apps promise seems simple – you use your smartphone to find others willing to give you a ride. In Lyft’s case, that ride comes in the form of a vehicle with a gigantic pink mustache on the front. But is this really better than a taxi or a private town car service in San Diego?

As it turns out, there are plenty of risks involved when it comes to ridesharing. The first risk is liability. All of the rideshare companies claim to carry $1 million in liability insurance to protect drivers, but there are plenty of ways drivers can lose that protection – if they’re driving a borrowed car, if the car is not well-maintained, if it breaks vehicle code, etc. That lack of liability also extends to the rider. Sidecar’s and Lyft’s terms of service specifies that they will bear no responsibility for personal injury, death, property damage or lost time.

Of course, rideshare drivers aren’t required to adhere to the same regulations and guidelines that govern taxis and private transportation services. Whereas San Diego airport taxis and taxi drivers are common carriers, rideshare services and their drivers aren’t. Said rideshare services also leave vehicle maintenance and upkeep completely in the hands of the driver. In the end, what you get is a completely unregulated service that might sound cheap and trendy, but could quickly prove expensive if an accident or some other incident occurs.

Last but not least, there’s the fact that you’re getting into a vehicle with a total stranger without the protections afforded by city and state law or a taxi or private transportation company. If anything happens, it could prove difficult to resolve the issue and receive due compensation.

See how the rates compare and click here for the flat rate fees offered by Citi Airport Transportation. Whether you’re going to or from the San Diego Airport, or are simply looking for a ride from point A to point B, you’ll be surprised at how affordable our rates are, even compared to rideshare services. For additional information about rates or to make a reservation for scheduled travel or an upcoming event, contact a Reservations Specialist at 858-205-7340.