If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, you know we frequently write on safety surrounding the use of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These services are a huge part of transportation in Tampa, as they offer both local residents and tourists flying into Tampa International Airport a low-stress way to get to their destination. For college students though, these rideshare services are especially important, as many of them come to campus without cars. Relying on public transportation isn’t always an option, and grabbing an Uber is as good (or better) when you have to be somewhere on time.
We were excited to find that Tampa is getting a NEW rideshare service, coming to town in October 2023. DASH will offer locals (including students) another fantastic transportation option for quick trips in and around Tampa.
What is the “DASH” rideshare service?
Downtown Area Shared Hubs, or DASH, operates under the Tampa Downtown Partnership. This private nonprofit, comprised of companies and organizations seeking the betterment of Downtown Tampa, brainstormed a new rideshare service to serve residents and visitors with safe, energy-efficient travel options on our local roads and highways.
DASH uses a private app that allows users to book a ride at over 20 different hub locations throughout the area. Drivers will be equipped with bold, yellow Model Y Teslas, so they’re easy to spot for convenience and safety. Think modern-day taxis, but better for the environment and less difficult to grab when you need a ride!
What makes DASH different than other rideshare services?
There are many things that make DASH unique compared to other rideshare services in the Tampa Bay area.
DASH Serves a Limited Area of Central Florida
The service will focus on the immediate Tampa area, offering quick rides around Tampa. Shaun Drinkard, the interim President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership said, “It’s for the short runs. If you parked your car at an event downtown and want to get to your favorite restaurant on the other side of downtown. Maybe it’s raining or a little too hot. This is a great way to move people within downtown.” This makes it an ideal service for those who live downtown, or students on one of Tampa’s many campuses.
Committed to a Better Tampa
DASH was started by, and is run by, companies and organizations who are committed to a safer and better city. They truly want residents and visitors to enjoy a safer downtown experience and make the most of their time in Tampa.
Drivers Are “Ambassadors” for The City of Tampa
DASH drivers aren’t just behind the wheel to get riders where they need to go. The rideshare service employs drivers who are “downtown ambassadors” and trains them as
DASH is coming to Downtown Tampa!
guides for the city. They’ll be able to tell you everything from what’s going on in town to where to find the best burger.
A Green Travel Option
DASH drivers use all-electric Teslas with zero emissions, making them a more environmentally-conscious choice for traveling in and around Tampa. They painted the cars bright yellow, but they’re definitely all “green” when it comes to energy use!
Cheaper Rideshare Service
According to the projected pricing, DASH offers a more affordable rideshare option for locals…including our college students!
Which Tampa colleges will benefit from DASH?
While the specific hubs have not yet been named, with 20 of them spaced around the greater Downtown Tampa area, multiple campuses will likely benefit from this service. This includes:
- University of Tampa
- University of South Florida
- Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS)
- Hillsborough Community College
- Stetson University College of Law
These campuses bring hundreds (or thousands) of students to Tampa each year, and DASH will offer each of them a safer option when they need a ride.
Why does Brooks care about Tampa rideshare services?
As locals ourselves, Brooks Law Group is thankful for rideshare services that offer individuals of varying ages a safe, dependable ride when they need it. You avoid drunk driving accidents, pedestrian accidents, and even assaults with a single phone call, or click of an app, to a rideshare service like Uber, Lyft, or DASH. We believe college students in Tampa will benefit greatly from a service like DASH. We look forward to seeing how it will improve life for residents throughout Tampa, and offer a better Downtown Tampa experience for visitors.
As lawyers, we are passionate about safety on the road, whether on foot, on a bicycle, or in a vehicle. Unfortunately, hundreds of people are killed in Florida each year because of the recklessness of a driver who chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, sleepy, or simply distracted. We stand beside victims and their families following these accidents, making sure they get the justice and compensation they deserve while providing supportive and compassionate legal representation.
Find the peace of mind that comes with hiring an experienced lawyer to take on your case. Our consultations give you a chance to ask questions and get to know us. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Rest assured we have your best interest in mind from your initial meeting until the day your case closes. Book your free, no-risk case evaluation, and let us help you navigate this process.
When accidents happen, Tampa residents Look to Brooks!
