The Uber on-demand ride service model is taking off, so much so that major automotive companies want a piece of the action.
Ford is working with Bridj to bring an on-demand luxury bus service to Kansas City so residents not willing to wait for public buses can simply call their own for a price.
In order to differentiate its service, Ford and Bridj are offering luxury buses equipped with Wi-Fi that provide a more upscale, comfortable option for those willing to pay for a better transportation experience.
At the moment, the service covers downtown Kansas City, the near east and west sides, Hospital Hill, Crown Center, parts of Midtown, University of Kansas Medical Center, and the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz districts.
Ford plans to test demand for the bus service with ten 14-seater buses for a 1-year pilot to start, with plans to expand if all goes well.
One thing seems very clear; we’re moving towards a future of people hailing all of their rides with apps rather than investing in their own vehicles to get around major cities.
