Hate the D.C. Metro? Here’s Your New Favorite Way to Commute for $2.15

When you’re stuck standing by the tracks trying desperately to get to work on time, a delayed train might seem like the worst problem in the world.

And for commuters in Washington, D.C., it’s a problem encountered a little too often in recent years.

Even those of you far from our nation’s capital have probably heard about the issues surrounding its subway system in recent years.

But as of Aug. 1, Washingtonians have a new option on their list of affordable ways to get to work — and on time, at that.

Rideshare company Via added Washington, D.C. to its service coverage area, previously limited to only New York City and Chicago, on Monday.

Better yet? Rides are just $2.15 — the same amount you’ll pony up to ride the District’s lethargic metro.

Beat D.C. Metro Delays with Via

Via is a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, with a couple of significant differences.

First of all, it only offers shared pool rides — there’s no private car treatment available.

But for that reason, it boasts insanely competitive pricing, starting at just $5 in Manhattan and $3.95 in Chicago.

It’s also committed to ensuring its drivers receive a liveable wage of at least $20 per hour in net earnings, according to the Washington Observer — which stands in stark opposition to the fare cuts Uber’s reportedly been levying.

And with Washington’s metro under extensive reconstruction, Via saw a great opportunity to expand its business while bringing reliable, affordable transportation to the commuters who need it most.  

“Washingtonians are in desperate need of a system that can fix their commute during this period of extensive Metro maintenance work,”  Daniel Ramot, Via co-founder and CEO, said in a statement according to The Observer.

“And we’re thrilled to be answering the call.”

The tax-free $2.15 is similar, and in many cases lower, than existing metro fares. Plus, additional riders in your party ride for just $1 per passenger. Find the full pricing information here.

The best part of all? Your ride won’t only cost the same, it’ll probably get you there in a more timely fashion — and you won’t have to jam yourself into an underground tube.

Compared to a subway, a shared car is pretty darn close to the lap of luxury.

Your Turn: How many times have metro reconstruction projects made you late for work?

Jamie Cattanach is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder who’s really glad she doesn’t live in Washington D.C. right now. Her writing has also been featured at The Write Life, Word Riot, Nashville Review and elsewhere. Find @JamieCattanach on Twitter to wave hello.