The Rideshare Guy Podcast
A podcast covering the rideshare and mobility industry. Interviews with start-up founders, CEOs, academics, gig workers and more!
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The Driverless Digest: The Humans Powering Autonomous Vehicle Operations (Omar Zoubi, TaskUs)
05/16/2026
The Driverless Digest: The Humans Powering Autonomous Vehicle Operations (Omar Zoubi, TaskUs)
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with , VP of Autonomous Mobility & Rideshare Network Strategy at . Omar breaks down how TaskUs supports autonomous vehicle operators behind the scenes, from remote assistance to handling edge cases that today’s AI systems still struggle to navigate. We get into TaskUs’ role across the AV ecosystem, including who they partner with and how their human-in-the-loop model helps fleets operate safely and scale more efficiently. Omar explains the types of real-world scenarios where AVs need intervention, how those interventions feed back into improving AI systems, and what it takes to support different types of fleets with varying operational needs. The conversation also covers the current stage of the AV industry, including how companies like Waymo are approaching remote assistance and safety, and what challenges emerge as fleets grow. We discuss operational complexity, cost structures, and how companies think about cost per mile as they move toward commercialization. Finally, Omar shares his perspective on where TaskUs adds the most value today, how the human-in-the-loop model will evolve over time, and what the future of the AV industry looks like as autonomy matures. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Omar Zoubi and TaskUs (03:19) TaskUs’ domain of operation (03:30) TaskUs’ AV business model, and their partners (04:43) What services does TaskUs provide to its AV clients? (06:10) How does TaskUs’ assistance in edge cases help AV clients improve their AI? (07:53) Common scenarios where AV companies might need remote assistance, and how TaskUs helps. (09:30) Differences between supporting different AV fleets (10:41) How Omar thinks about Waymo’s remote assistance and safety (12:40) What stage of the AV industry are we in? (14:19) Biggest operational challenges as AV fleets start to scale (15:46) Common traits across operators and companies in the AV industry (17:00) How the human-in-the-loop model will evolve as AVs mature (19:05) How do you plan for unpredictable scenarios, like the recent SF blackout? (21:38) How AV operational costs are distributed and cost per mile (23:10) Where does TaskUs offer the biggest value or opportunity for AV companies? (24:00) What does the future of the AV industry look like? (25:43) Conclusions and final thoughts Notes/Links: You can find Omar Zoubi on . TaskUs website (). Learn how TaskUs supports AV operations in their case study ().
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The Driverless Digest: DoorDash’s Autonomous Delivery Strategy with Ashu Rege
05/16/2026
The Driverless Digest: DoorDash’s Autonomous Delivery Strategy with Ashu Rege
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with , Vice President of DoorDash Labs at DoorDash. Ashu shares his journey through the autonomous vehicle industry, including roles at NVIDIA and Zoox, before leading autonomy efforts within one of the largest delivery platforms in the world. We dive into what drew him to DoorDash Labs and how the team is thinking about autonomy differently from robotaxi companies. Ashu explains the origins of DoorDash’s delivery robot DOT, the goals of the DoorDash Labs, and how their Autonomous Delivery Platform (ADP) is designed to support a wide range of delivery modalities. The conversation explores what makes autonomous delivery fundamentally different from human delivery, how mature DoorDash’s delivery solutions are today, and the different categories of autonomy DoorDash is pursuing. We also get into the economics of autonomous delivery and the unique problems autonomy is best suited to solve in delivery. Ashu breaks down how DOT operates in the real world, including its limitations and where it stands out the most. Finally, we look ahead to what’s next for DoorDash and DoorDash Labs’ autonomy efforts over the coming year, including how the company is balancing partnerships with in‑house development. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Ashu Rege (02:47) Ashu’s background in the AV industry (Nvidia, Zoox, and DoorDash). (04:30) What excited Ashu about joining DoorDash Labs, and its autonomy goals. (05:43) The story behind the creation of DOT and its perks (08:23) The goal of DoorDash Labs and what they do (09:18) DoorDash Labs’ Autonomous Delivery Platform (ADP) explained. (10:34) One key difference between an autonomous delivery solution and a human. (11:52) How commercially mature are DoorDash’s autonomous delivery solutions? (12:54) DoorDash’s autonomous delivery categories, and how they compare to each other. (14:29) Why is now the right time to scale autonomy in delivery, and how autonomous delivery differs from robotaxis. (18:30) How DoorDash approaches the balance between partnering and building autonomous delivery solutions in-house. (23:31) How autonomous deliveries compare to human deliveries in cost, and the unique problem autonomous deliveries solve. (25:20) How autonomous deliveries work using DOT, its limitations, and where it stands out. (35:11) What to expect from DoorDash and DoorDash Labs over the next year in autonomy. (36:52) Conclusions and final thoughts Notes/Links: You can find Ashu on . DOT is DoorDash’s first in-house autonomous delivery robot. You can find more info about it here (). DoorDash Labs is DoorDash’s robotics and automation arm. You can find more info about them on their website (). Open roles at DoorDash Labs (). -Harry
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The Driverless Digest: How the CPUC Handles AV Permits, Data, and Enforcement (Pat Tsen)
05/15/2026
The Driverless Digest: How the CPUC Handles AV Permits, Data, and Enforcement (Pat Tsen)
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with , Deputy Executive Director for Consumer Policy, Transportation, and Enforcement at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). We start with an overview of the CPUC and Pat’s role in it. We also break down the split between the CPUC and DMV, clarifying who regulates what, and what companies actually need to do to launch an autonomous vehicle service in California, including the different permit types required along the way. Pat explains the CPUC’s technology-agnostic approach to AV regulation, and why Tesla’s current robotaxi deployment isn’t considered an autonomous vehicle service under CPUC jurisdiction. We then dig into what it really takes to secure an AV permit, and whether the approval process is more subjective or objective in practice. The conversation also covers enforcement, reporting, and data collection requirements for AV companies, including new stoppage event reporting rules and what data is ultimately made public. We also get into how the CPUC approaches transparency, accountability, and the balance between innovation and public safety—and where its regulatory oversight starts to reach its limits. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Shao (Pat) Tsen (03:34) Introduction to the CPUC and their areas of regulation (05:03) Pat’s role at the CPUC (08:37) CPUC vs DMV: Who Regulates What? (10:54) Steps to launching an autonomous vehicle service in California—and the different types of permits (14:05) The CPUC’s technology-agnostic role in AV regulation (15:05) Why Tesla’s robotaxi isn’t considered an autonomous vehicle service in California (18:35) What it takes to get an AV permit from the CPUC (21:35) Is the CPUC’s AV permit approval process more subjective or objective? (24:55) Enforcement, reporting, and data collection for AV companies under the CPUC’s jurisdiction (30:21) What autonomous vehicle companies currently have to report to the CPUC, including new stoppage event requirements (32:45) What AV company data is made publicly available? (37:10) How the CPUC handles new edge cases and teleoperations (41:44) Limits of the CPUC’s oversight (43:00) Conclusions and final thoughts Notes/Links: You can find Pat on . Relevant links for the CPUC’s AV program Decision and resolution numbers which set rules or approved new authority to operate aka the “Pilot Decision,” created the AV Pilot program and set requirements for participants as modified by aka the “Deployment Decision,” created AV Deployment program and set the requirements for participants aka the AV Data Decision, expanded AV data reporting requirements including incident reporting and “stoppage event” reporting (OIR opened August 2025) – the new AV rulemaking to update policies/processes/rules for AV passenger transportation General Order (GO) 157-E: TCP Regulations Resolutions: (2023) – approved Waymo for Phase I Driverless AV Passenger Service Deployment (2023) – approved Cruise (Phase 1 driverless deployment authorization) AV Program Quarterly Reporting (). To file a complaint, you can fill out this form and email to To submit a public comment in the ongoing AV rulemaking, as mentioned at the 41:25 timestamp, you can access the public comment tab here -Harry
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RSG268: Uber’s NEXT Big Move? Taxis!
11/26/2025
RSG268: Uber’s NEXT Big Move? Taxis!
In this episode, Hansu Kim, CEO of Flywheel Technologies, shares insights on the evolving taxi industry, Flywheel's innovative partnerships, and the impact of autonomous vehicles (AVs). With over 20 years of experience in transportation policy, Kim discusses Flywheel's rebranding, its strategic Uber partnership to integrate taxi services, and the regulatory changes required. He highlights the mutual benefits of the Uber-taxi collaboration, including increased ride efficiency and higher driver incomes. Kim also explores the future interplay between traditional taxis, AVs, and the rideshare industry's continuous transformation. 0:00 Intro to RSG268 with Hansu Kim, CEO of Flywheel Technologies 0:32 Who Is Hansu Kim and What Is Flywheel Taxi? 1:08 How Are Flywheel and Uber Partnering? 2:03 How Does This Partnership Affect the Taxi Industry? 2:42 What Regulatory Changes Shape the Consumer Experience? 4:00 What Are the Economic Benefits for Drivers and Companies? 5:31 How Is Technology Being Adopted in the Taxi Industry? 6:32 What Is the Future of Taxi and Rideshare Collaboration? 8:32 How Does Flywheel’s Business Model Work? 11:30 What Are the Challenges and Benefits of the Partnership? 19:57 How Do Consumers Choose and What Influences Safety Perception? 24:12 What Is Uber’s Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles? 24:51 How Is Waymo Partnering with Ride-Sharing Services? 26:14 What Are the Main Criticisms of Autonomous Vehicles? 26:58 How Are Partnerships Supporting Riders With Disabilities? 28:16 What Does the Future of the Taxi Industry Look Like? 29:38 How Will Autonomous Vehicles Impact Taxi Services? 36:08 How Can the Industry Prepare for an Autonomous Future? 40:11 What Innovations Are Shaping Taxi Technology? 42:45 What Are the Final Thoughts on Waymo and Autonomous Vehicles? Flywheel: Flywheel’s LinkedIn: Hansu Kim's LinkedIn:
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RSG267: Waymo’s Next Big Move: Cracking the NYC Taxi Market
11/03/2025
RSG267: Waymo’s Next Big Move: Cracking the NYC Taxi Market
In this episode, Dawood Milan, founder of Auto Marketplace, discusses the intricacies and the significance of New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) market. He provides insights into his career transition from finance to managing a successful Uber Black fleet and eventually founding Auto Marketplace. Dawood explains the unique regulations and economic value of the NYC TLC market, the challenges and opportunities it presents, particularly with regard to vehicle caps, insurance, and driver pay. He explores the future of autonomous vehicles (AV) in this competitive and complex market, touching on regulatory hurdles, potential business models, and the challenges posed by New York's unique urban environment. Dawood emphasizes the importance of regulatory acumen and market adaptability for new entrants like Waymo. 0:00 Intro 00:32 Who is Dawood and what is Auto Marketplace? 01:23 What makes the NYC TLC market unique? 04:50 How did Uber and Lyft impact NYC taxis? 07:21 What’s the current state of NYC rideshare and taxis? 13:22 How do business models work in NYC rideshare? 16:30 What is Dawood’s fleet and strategy? 18:40 What challenges and opportunities exist in the TLC market? 23:02 Why are TLC plates valuable and transferable? 24:29 How does TLC plate value change over time? 24:43 Is Waymo entering the NYC market? 25:25 What are the regulatory and business model hurdles? 26:49 How are drivers and medallion owners affected? 30:23 How do fleet management and real estate intersect? 37:08 What are the key tech and environmental challenges? 39:54 What’s the future of autonomous vehicles in NYC? 43:14 What are the final thoughts? Dawood's LinkedIn: Automarketplace: X:
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RSG266: Tower Mobility: The Uber Partner Paying Drivers $25/Hour + Benefits (Base & Tips)
09/05/2025
RSG266: Tower Mobility: The Uber Partner Paying Drivers $25/Hour + Benefits (Base & Tips)
In this episode, Harry interviews Daniel and Andres Munoz, co-founders of Tower Mobility. They discuss their extensive backgrounds in global strategy, operations, and last-mile logistics, as well as how they launched Tower Mobility during the pandemic with a focus on wheelchair accessible vehicles. The conversation delves into Tower Mobility's operational model, including its fleet of over 600 vehicles, primarily electric, and workforce of 2,000 W2 employees. Key topics include their partnerships with Uber and Waymo, the advantages and challenges of managing a large EV fleet, and how they are preparing for an autonomous vehicle future. The episode wraps up with insights on safety training, driver coaching, and the potential for human-powered services in the evolving mobility market. Check out Terawatt here for more information: 0:00 Who are the founders of Tower Mobility and how did the company begin? 02:59 How did Tower Mobility get started during the pandemic? 04:13 What is the W2 driver model and how does it work? 06:43 What types of drivers does Tower Mobility recruit and how do they find them? 13:27 How does Tower Mobility partner with Uber? 20:00 What safety and insurance measures are in place? 21:38 Why is adhering to speed limits so important? 22:16 How does the hourly pay model compare to being an independent contractor? 23:16 What are the main challenges of managing a fleet? 26:28 How are electric vehicles being used in fleet operations? 28:41 What cost benefits come with electric vehicles? 32:18 What does the charging infrastructure for EV fleets look like? 34:07 How might autonomous vehicles shape the future of fleet management? 39:20 What are the final thoughts and takeaways from the discussion? Daniel’s LinkedIn: Andres’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-munoz-0278926/
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RSG 265 - Jeremy Bird On Lyft's International Expansion
07/31/2025
RSG 265 - Jeremy Bird On Lyft's International Expansion
In this episode, Harry interviews Jeremy Bird, Executive Vice President of Driver Experience at Lyft, about Lyft's recent global expansion and the strategic acquisition of Free Now. Bird discusses Lyft's growth into international markets, beginning with Canada and Puerto Rico, and highlights the benefits of partnering with Free Now, a prominent taxi app operating in nine European countries. They delve into the regulatory differences between the US and European markets, the similarities in driver ethos between Lyft and Free Now, and the potential synergies from combining their technologies and experiences. The conversation also covers the significance of Lyft's operations in Canada and its micro-mobility solutions, such as bike and scooter sharing, and how these ventures align with Lyft's overall strategy, including the future integration of autonomous vehicles. 00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Bird and Lyft's expansion 01:05 How has Lyft's expansion into Canada and Puerto Rico been? 02:33 What is Lyft’s strategic shift to global markets? 05:19 What is Free Now and what are its operations? 07:34 How do Europe and US taxi industries compare? 10:34 What are the synergies and future plans for Lyft and Free Now? 14:33 What is Lyft's global expansion strategy? 15:38 How is Lyft's market penetration in Europe? 15:52 What are the regulatory challenges and labor relations? 17:17 What are the opportunities in the European market? 21:15 How is Lyft's growth in Canada? 23:50 How has Lyft been integrating micro-mobility solutions? 27:32 What are Lyft’s plans for autonomous vehicles? 29:20 Conclusion and Future Prospects Jeremy’s LinkedIn:
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The Driverless Digest: Inside Alto’s Fleet Partnership with Uber
07/07/2025
The Driverless Digest: Inside Alto’s Fleet Partnership with Uber
In this episode, Harry speaks with Will Coleman, CEO and Co-Founder of Alto, an innovative rideshare and delivery service emphasizing safety, hospitality, and consistency. Will discusses Alto’s operations in multiple U.S. cities, their unique business model involving employed drivers and owned vehicles, and their strategic focus on fleet management as a foundation for electric and autonomous mobility. Most importantly, the conversation delves into Alto’s newest partnership with Uber, the complexities of fleet management, and the differentiation factors contributing to their success, such as lower insurance costs and high service quality. Will also touches on the benefits and challenges of scaling, and shares insights on the future of autonomous vehicles in the rideshare industry. 00:00 - Introduction to Will Coleman and Alto 01:09 - Will's alternate bio and podcast introduction 02:57 - Alto's unique business model 04:06 - Challenges of fleet management 08:54 - Partnership with Uber 16:18 - Benefits of Alto's model for Uber 21:56 - Unique experience in the rideshare industry 23:30 - Challenges and solutions in fleet management 27:14 - The Alto Fleet and electrification 29:25 - Potential Downsides of the Partnership 34:00 - Alto’s Place in the Autonomous Vehicle Market 38:25 - Alto’s reaction to the Waymo Business 40:46 - Future Plans and Closing Remarks Alto: https://ridealto.com Will Coleman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-coleman RSG179: RSG203: Harry’s Newsletter:
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RSG264: Should Lyft drivers be worried about Autonomous Vehicles?
04/30/2025
RSG264: Should Lyft drivers be worried about Autonomous Vehicles?
In this episode, Harry speaks with Jeremy Bird, the Executive Vice President of Driver Experience at Lyft. They discuss Jeremy's role and responsibilities, including his focus on autonomous vehicles (AV) and their integration into Lyft’s services. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of having an open and honest conversation about the impact of AVs on human drivers, highlighting the potential for a hybrid future where both AVs and human-driven cars coexist. He mentions Lyft's upcoming partnership with May Mobility to introduce AVs on the platform and stresses the need for economic mobility and support for drivers. The conversation also covers Lyft’s commitment to driver earnings, transparency, and new initiatives like an enhanced rewards program and opportunities for drivers to advance or transition in their careers. Jeremy asserts that while AVs may bring changes, the goal is to grow the overall market and improve the driver and rider experience. 00:30 Intros 2:13 What is Lyft’s main focus right now? 5:00 Should drivers be worried about AVs? 7:07 What has Waymo’s growth been like? 10:04 How will Lyft assist drivers with the rise of AVs? 13:15 Will humans be an option in the future? 17:40 Are humans in competition with AVs? 25:06 Will drivers earn less money because of AVs? 29:29 Will driving for Lyft get better or worse in the future? 31:20 What is causing Lyft’s success? 34:53 How does Lyft compare with Uber? 38:48 Where to find Jeremy
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RSG 263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)
11/06/2024
RSG 263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)
In this episode, Harry speaks with Justin Pappan, founder of EV Access, who discusses the inception and growth of his electric vehicle rental service based in Phoenix, Arizona. Three years since its founding, EV Access caters to both visitors and Uber drivers, offering flexible rental options and a focus on customer service. The conversation covers Justin's experiences as a Tesla owner, the operational challenges and strategies of managing an EV fleet, and the company’s future plans, including preparation for autonomous vehicle integration. Justin also delves into the insurance and financial aspects of fleet management, the advantages of Tesla's technology in tracking and maintenance, and innovative marketing tactics. Lastly, he touches on the potential for partnerships and the importance of being prepared for the shift to driverless vehicles. EV Access: Justin Pappan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-pappan/ 00:30 Introduction to Justin Pappan and EV Access 00:51 Personal Connection and Tesla Experience 01:40 Challenges and Solutions in EV Rentals 02:34 Business Model and Future Plans 03:42 Fleet Details and Market Strategies 06:27 Operational Insights and Customer Education 17:25 Financial Strategies and Vehicle Partnerships 24:47 Advice and Industry Insights 26:18 The Challenges of Creating Authentic Content 26:45 The Value of Real-World Experience in Online Courses 29:06 Navigating the Car Rental Market 30:45 Effective Marketing Tactics for Fleet Owners 33:51 The Importance of Diversifying Platforms 41:17 Tools and Strategies for Fleet Management 42:21 Insurance Challenges in the Ride-Share Industry 45:57 Preparing for an Autonomous Vehicle Future 50:06 Conclusion and Contact Information Listen to these podcasts mentioned in the show: RSG261: EV Fleet Charging With Bluedot - Martin Hamedani: RSG139: Ed Walker on Managing Insurance for Shared Mobility Operators:
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RSG262: Finding and Hiring Rideshare and Delivery Drivers With GetScale
09/11/2024
RSG262: Finding and Hiring Rideshare and Delivery Drivers With GetScale
In this episode, Harry interviews Garrett Wood, the founder and CEO of GetScale. Garrett discusses how GetScale uses one-on-one conversations combined with proprietary data and technology to recruit and motivate individuals for gig economy roles. He shares his extensive experience from his time at Uber, where he helped build and scale the first driver recruiting team. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of driver acquisition, onboarding, and conversion, including the importance of motivation and real conversations. Garrett also covers the operational details of GetScale's services and how they enhance recruitment processes for large gig economy businesses. Garrett’s LinkedIn: https://www.getscale.com/ 00:32 Introduction to Garrett Wood and GetScale 02:51 Garrett's Journey at Uber 05:06 Challenges and Strategies in Driver Recruitment 07:43 The Role of Motivation in Driver Conversion 12:50 GetScale's Approach to Recruitment 19:42 Tactical Insights for Gig Economy Companies 34:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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RSG261 EV Fleet Charging With Bluedot - Martin Hamedani
09/04/2024
RSG261 EV Fleet Charging With Bluedot - Martin Hamedani
In this episode, Harry interviews Martin Hamadani, Vice President of Partnerships at Blue Dot. Martin discusses his role in leading the commercial and growth efforts for Blue Dot's B2B fleet business, highlighting his extensive experience in scaling startups and business development. They delve into Blue Dot’s solutions for public and home charging for EV fleets, focusing on the integration of various public chargers into a single platform for ease of use. Martin also explains Blue Dot’s value propositions for corporate fleets, gig drivers, and rental companies, emphasizing the importance of a unified EV charging experience. Topics include the benefits and challenges of EV adoption, the impact of Tesla's supercharging network, and strategies for fleet management. Martin concludes by sharing insights on the company's engagement at trade shows and future plans. 00:32 Introduction to Martin Hamadani and Blue Dot 01:14 The Evolution of Blue Dot's EV Solutions 03:53 Addressing Public Charging Challenges 06:34 Home Charging Solutions for Fleets 9:22 EV Charging for Rideshare Drivers 17:06 Tesla vs. Non-Tesla EVs in Fleets 22:33 Charging Flexibility and Costs 24:21 Fleet Owners and Corporate Partnerships 26:47 Exploring Car Sharing and Rentals 36:18 Challenges and Best Practices for Fleet EV Adoption 40:50 Conclusion and Contact Information Martin’s LinkedIn:
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RSG260 - Blind Rideshare Passenger Shares Her Riding Experience
08/21/2024
RSG260 - Blind Rideshare Passenger Shares Her Riding Experience
In this episode Harry speaks with Kathryn Webster. Kathryn is an associate at KKR, a global investment firm investing across private markets in every asset class all over the world. She is also the founder of Together Achieving Dreams Foundation, bridging the gap between potential and possibility for the blind and low vision. 0:00 Intros 3:48 How should riders refer to blind passengers? 5:33 What is it like calling a ride as a blind person? 12:09 How should service animals be referred to? 16:58 What questions can you ask regarding service dogs? 22:37 What should a driver do if they are scared of dogs? 28:11 What does Kathryn think of fake service dogs? Links/references from the show: Kathryn’s LinkedIn: Lyft’s Anti-Discrimination Policies: Lyft’s Service Animal Policy: Downloadable Policy Copy Service Animal FAQ and Policy: 3-Minute How-To Service Animals: Service Animal Hotline: 1-844-554-1297 for direct phone support
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RSG259: Breaking Down GetAround and Hyrecar's Vehicle Rental Programs
08/07/2024
RSG259: Breaking Down GetAround and Hyrecar's Vehicle Rental Programs
In this episode Harry speaks with Maria. Maria is the VP/MG of Gig at Getaround, the world's leading connected carsharing platform, on a mission toward empowering people to carshare everywhere. Maria’s LinkedIn: 0:00 1:30 What is the joint between Getaround and HyreCar? 7:49 How can this partnership benefit drivers? 10:11 What markets is this available in? 14:57 What has Maria observed about successful drivers? 21:00 What’s it like to be a renter or an owner? 23:40 What are some new things coming? 27:00 Are renters or owners more in demand?
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RSG258: Rideshare In The AIR With Nikhil Goel From Archer
07/17/2024
RSG258: Rideshare In The AIR With Nikhil Goel From Archer
In this episode Harry speaks with Nikhil Goel. Nikhil is the Chief Commercial Officer of Archer. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Nikhil is also the co-founder of Uber Elevate, which will bring aerial rideshare to a large scale. 0:00 Intros 4:40 What was the inflection point for aerial rideshare? 11:10 What is the main advantage for aerial travel? 19:45 How can the price be reduced? 23:00 How far away is mass adoption? 31:55 What are some of the challenges? 34:40 Will aerial rideshare benefit everyone? Links: Nikhil’s LinkedIn: Archer: Uber Elevate:
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RSG257: Rideshare Insider’s Take on Didi, Uber and InDrive in Latin America
05/31/2024
RSG257: Rideshare Insider’s Take on Didi, Uber and InDrive in Latin America
In this episode Harry speaks with Jose Carlos Aguilar. Jose is the Director of Operations at MI NAVE. MI NAVE has the best vehicles to work with all Mobility Apps such as DiDi, UBER, Cabify and many more. MI NAVE: Jose Carlos - Director of Operations at MI NAVE Linked In: 0:00 Intros 2:30 What is rideshare like outside the US? 6:25 Why is Latin America exciting for Uber? 10:00 How do take rates compare? 13:15 How is it different for drivers? 21:10 Why is Brazil a good market? 23:49 How does InDrive fit into the market? 26:51 How does a cash economy affect the industry? 30:50 How does the negotiation model work? 37:37 What does Jose think of regulations?
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RSG256: Voom Rideshare Insurance with CEO Tomer Kashi
05/21/2024
RSG256: Voom Rideshare Insurance with CEO Tomer Kashi
In this episode Harry speaks with Tomer Kashi. Tomer is the CEO of VOOM: VOOM is an InsurTech pioneer, crafting cutting-edge, usage-based insurance solutions for the future of mobility. Tomer: Voom: 0:00 Intros 2:20 What is VOOM? 7:30 What makes VOOM unique? 11:00 How does insurance work with Uber? 12:29 What is it like launching in new states? 14:00 How is VOOM priced? 15:55 What is VOOM's ideal customer? 21:51 What makes a safe rideshare driver? 24:32 How would Tomer like the industry to change?
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RSG255: Building A Lean, Green Delivery Machine with Uber Eats
05/16/2024
RSG255: Building A Lean, Green Delivery Machine with Uber Eats
This episode is from a panel about DeliverZero from Curbivore 2024. DeliverZero delivers food to your door in reusable containers that are returned and reused. 0:00 Intro 3:36 Panel 8:05 Why doesn't DeliverZero use its own couriers? 12:22 What inspired DeliverZero? 20:24 How are the containers returned? https://www.deliverzero.com/
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RSG 254 - Curbivore Preview
03/12/2024
RSG 254 - Curbivore Preview
In this episode Harry talks with Jonah Bliss. Jonah is the founder of Curbivore. Curbivore was created out of a shared passion to help technologists, restaurateurs, retailers, local governments, and interested individuals navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economy. Their hope is that by bringing together all sides of the table, theory can foster a productive dialogue that helps create more equitable and sustainable cities, communities, startups and small businesses. 0:00 Intros 1:25 What is the Curbivore event? 8:40 What will be going on this year? 18:50 How can you attend? Curbivore: Jonah's LinkedIn:
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RSG253: Getting Gig Workers Insurance/Benefits With GigEasy
02/14/2024
RSG253: Getting Gig Workers Insurance/Benefits With GigEasy
In this episode Harry speaks with Rilwan Lawal. Rilwan is the founder and CEO of GigEasy, which provides insurance for the gig economy. Before that he was the cofounder and COO for Neu. 0:00 Intro 2:25 What is GigEasy? 5:30 Who would use GigEasy? 7:30 What does it include? 9:20 What partnerships does GigEasy have? 16:30 Does GigEasy have any specialty insurance? 22:00 What is the government doing related to gig insurance? 29:00 Where can you find Rilwan? GigEasy: https://www.gigeasy.com/ Rilwan's LinkedIn: Rilwan's Email:
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RSG252: Interview with Lyft CEO David Risher on New Driver Benefits
02/06/2024
RSG252: Interview with Lyft CEO David Risher on New Driver Benefits
In this episode Harry speaks with David Risher. David is the CEO of Lyft. David is on to talk about the slew of new driver benefits that were announced in the early 2024 driver release. Some of the new announcements are drivers earn 70% of rider fares after fees, guaranteed, See where every dollar of riders’ fares go, Earn more for waiting during scheduled rides, Find more ways to choose rides at the airport, Access new earning and navigation opportunities for EVs, Appeal deactivations easily in the Lyft app 0:00 Intros 1:53 What did Lyft improve? 3:08 What did Lyft change for fees? 14:05 How can drivers trust Lyft's transparency on fees? 17:01 What did Lyft change for deactivations? 23:10 How is Lyft addressing the problem with scheduled rides? 24:35 Why should you use Lyft's maps? 28:50 How much does David think drivers should make David's X(Twitter): David's Linkedin
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RSG251: How Vugo is Helping Fleet Owners Earn More With In Car Advertising
01/03/2024
RSG251: How Vugo is Helping Fleet Owners Earn More With In Car Advertising
In this episode Harry speaks with Rob Flessner. Rob is the founder of Vugo, an Al-Powered Mobility Media® Platform that places media and advertisements on digital displays in vehicles to create interactive and engaging passenger experiences. Before that he co-founded Rideshareinsurance.com which was later acquired. 0:00 Intro 2:25 What is the biggest change with Vugo over the past few years? 4:55 Why did Vugo shift to an embedded system? 7:10 What does Rob think about the competition? 9:40 What does Rob think of outside-of-car ads? 14:55 What is a fleet owner? 16:44 What do fleet owners gain? 17:57 How much can you earn? 21:25 How will AV impact Vugo? 23:05 What are Vugo's recent partnerships? 25:08 Where can you learn more? Rob's Linkedin: Rob's Twitter: https://twitter.com/robflessner?lang=en
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RSG250: Investing in New Mobility Ventures with InDrive's Andries Smit
12/28/2023
RSG250: Investing in New Mobility Ventures with InDrive's Andries Smit
In this episode Harry speaks with Andries Smit. Andries is an experienced entrepreneur and investment professional, and has recently taken on the role of Vice President of New Ventures at inDrive. In his capacity, Smit leads the New Ventures unit, focusing on investing in companies that challenge injustice, show potential for global expansion, and are in the post-seed/pre-Series A stage. 0:00 Intro 2:40 What is inDrive? 6:15 How did Andries discover inDrive? 8:30 What is the mission of inDrive? 10:49 What are Andries thoughts on mobility ventures? 13:34 How does Andries view the different arms on inDrive? 15:10 What are some of the details of inDrive's ventures? 16:30 What value does inDrive get from its ventures? 23:30 What are inDrive's plan for future markets? 34:34 Where can you learn more? Andrie's LinkedIn: Andrie's Twitter: https://twitter.com/driessmit?lang=en
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RSG249: David Zipper on Why Robotaxis Will Be Even Worse Than Ridehail
11/17/2023
RSG249: David Zipper on Why Robotaxis Will Be Even Worse Than Ridehail
In this episode Harry speaks with David Zipper. David Zipper is a Visiting Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Taubman Center, focusing on the intersection of urban policy and new mobility technologies. He has extensive experience in urban development, having worked in city hall, as a venture capitalist, and as a policy researcher. David is a Contributing Writer at Bloomberg CityLab and has held influential roles in Washington DC and New York City, promoting entrepreneurship and economic development. 0:00 Intro 7:47 Why did David want to write an article about robotaxis/rideshare? 9:48 How does David define sustainability? 11:55 What will be the biggest impact of robotaxis? 19:25 Why does public transit struggle to compete with rideshare? 22:21 What do robotaxi companies claim? 26:38 Why does the claim of better safety fail? 30:00 What will the robotaxi business model be? 36:46 Will the trade offs with robotaxis be worth it? 39:27 Where can you find more from David? David's website David's Twitter David's Linkedin: David's Article in The Verge David's previous RSG podcast: RSG159:
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RSG248: Pay All Your Vehicle Expenses With One App - Autority With CEO Juan Proaño
11/08/2023
RSG248: Pay All Your Vehicle Expenses With One App - Autority With CEO Juan Proaño
In this episode Harry speaks with Juan Proaño. Juan Proaño is the CEO and co-founder of Autority.io. His diverse background from both the technology and automotive sectors helped him launch the Autority platform, which helps car owners in Latin America to manage their vehicle payments in one place. 0:00 Intro 1:33 How did Juan get the idea for Autority? 6:11 What makes Ecuador a unique place to operate in? 8:27 Where is Juan finding customers and partners? 13:25 What are the top selling products for Autority? 19:30 How does Autority make money? 20:30 What is the future of Autority? 24:35 Are Uber drivers using Autority? 28:15 How would Autority work in the US? 32:31 Where can you find Juan? Autority: https://autority.io/ Juans' Linkedin:
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RSG247: Renting E-bikes to delivery drivers with Whizz CEO Mike Peregudov
10/25/2023
RSG247: Renting E-bikes to delivery drivers with Whizz CEO Mike Peregudov
In this episode Harry speaks with Mike Peregudov. Mike Peregudov is the co-founder and CEO of Whizz, a NYC-based e bike rental service for delivery drivers. He's also a General Partner at , investing in values driven founders. Mike previously co-founded and led Partiya Edi, acquired by Yandex in 2020. His extensive experience includes top-tier positions in various industries. 0:00 Intro 2:11 How was the idea for Whizz discovered? 4:20 How does Whizz work? 6:25 What kinds of problems do ebikes have? 7:57 Are riders interested in high quality bikes? 10:51 What's it like to rent a bike from Whizz? 12:48 What makes the New York market unique? 14:42 How much does it cost to rent a Whizz bike? 16:20 How do you pick up a bike? 17:23 Where do you store the bike at night? 18:49 What stops someone from stealing the bike? 20:11 What is unique about the new bike models? 25:12 Is it safe to deliver by bike in NYC? 28:03 What is one way to make biking safer in NYC? 30:53 What is the plan for Whizz's partnership with DoorDash? 33:06 Why do delivery apps want to partner with vehicle providers? 35:10 Where can you learn more about Whizz? Mike's Linkedin: Whizz Website: Get 30% off using this link!
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RSG246: Discover Daytrip: Rideshare Meets Tour Guides/Tourism
10/18/2023
RSG246: Discover Daytrip: Rideshare Meets Tour Guides/Tourism
In this episode Harry speaks with Tomáš Turek. Tomáš Turek is the CEO of Daytrip. Daytrip is a travel platform connecting travelers with local drivers and guides in 7,800+ cities worldwide. With a background in computer science and a degree in environmental management, Tomáš is a driving force in redefining travel experiences 0:00 Intro 1:37 What is Daytrip? 2:59 What is the most popular Daytrip? 3:56 How does Daytrip work? 6:17 Who are the drivers that use Daytrip? 8:16 How do they ensure quality drivers? 9:41 What is the experience for a driver? 14:04 How is Daytrip's US operation going? 15:53 How has Daytrip done so far in California? 18.24 What are some good use cases for Daytrip? 19:20 How does Daytrip compare in Europe vs US? 21.56 What are the benefits of one city vs between cities for Daytrip? 24:44 Has Daytrip tried working with cities? 26:56 What are some potential partnership opportunities? 28.51 How can you learn more about Daytrip? Tomáš' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-turek/?originalSubdomain=cz Daytrip Website: https://mydaytrip.com/
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RSG245: All Electric, All Employee Rideshare with Revel CEO Frank Reig
10/10/2023
RSG245: All Electric, All Employee Rideshare with Revel CEO Frank Reig
In this episode Harry speaks with Frank Reig. Frank Reig is Revel's Co-Founder & CEO. He launched the company in 2018 with COO Paul Suhey, initially offering electric mopeds in Brooklyn. Since 2021, Revel has focused on expanding its EV fast charging network and all-electric rideshare service. Frank, a Columbia University graduate with an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy, also previously worked as a chef in top NYC restaurants, like Gramercy Tavern. 0:00 Intro 2:15 What is Revel? 3:00 What’s the hardest part about Revel's business model? 5:30 Why Revel pivoted from mopeds to rideshare 9:25 Why did Revel go with an employee model for their drivers 13:30 How much do Revel drivers make? 21:00 How do Revel’s 3 depots work for charging and storing EVs? 28:10 Why EVs and rideshare are such a great fit 29:35 Frank’s thoughts on city and government EV initiatives/mandates 32:37 What’s most important to more EV adoption? 38:25 Where to connect with Frank Frank’s Linkedin: Revel -
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RSG244: Navigating the Road Ahead: Teledriving's Impact And Vay's Vision With Justin Spratt
09/26/2023
RSG244: Navigating the Road Ahead: Teledriving's Impact And Vay's Vision With Justin Spratt
In this episode Harry speaks with Justin Spratt. Justin is Vice President of Business & Corporate Development at Vay, the leading remote driving (teledriving) company. He joined from Uber, where he was Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and focused on deals with automotive OEMs, vehicle fleet operators, vehicle battery technology companies and electrification infrastructure providers. At Vay, he focuses on business and corporate development and works on relationships with strategic partners. Justin built the first startup incubator in Africa in 2002 and has been mentoring founders of technology startups for over ten years. He is an angel investor in software technology and holds board positions in some of these companies. 0:00 Intro 2:25 Why Justin joined Vay 5:20 Use case for Vay 9:13 Vay's timeline 12:14 Vay's scale 17:21 Details of subscription model 24:31 Details of how Vay will work 29:13 Autonomy for Vay 34:26 Biggest challenge with Vay 40:13 How Vay will work with cities 44:11 Teledriving 46:33 Future of teledriving 50:15 Where to find Justin Linkedin:
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RSG243: From Uber's Rise to Instacart's Future With Emil Michael
09/19/2023
RSG243: From Uber's Rise to Instacart's Future With Emil Michael
In this episode Harry speaks with Emil Michael. Emil is the CEO of DPCM Capital and former Chief Business Officer of Uber. He served as CEO Travis Kalanick's right-hand-man, helping the company raise nearly $15 billion from key investors worldwide. By 2018, Uber became the world's most valued private technology company and had raised the most money of any private start-up in history. Emil Michael Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilmichael/
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