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.
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.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:14:40 GMT
Police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred at 9:55 p.m. in Wilmington, Delaware near the Chateau Orleans Apartments.A 31-year old female was waling her dog along an unlit path when she
Police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred at 9:55 p.m. in Wilmington, Delaware near the Chateau Orleans Apartments. A 31-year old female was walking her dog along an unlit path when she
Monday, May 20 2013 10:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:24:20 GMT
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
