Ridership of the free ride service continues to grow each week

On October 20, the Tampa Downtown Partnership launched Downtowner free ride service and within one minute of going live, the app had the first ride request. In the first month of being launched, Downtowner has served nearly 13,000 riders and its drivers have covered over 7,840 miles.

“Our Tampa launch has been the largest and busiest operation we’ve had yet,” said Travis Gleason, COO of Downtowner. Downtowner currently operates in four other cities with Tampa being the newest location. “We’re really encouraged by the continued interest in the service,” said Gleason.

Commuters and residents alike are using the app to get to work from parking garages, to cross town for lunch with friends, or to enjoy Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Commuters heading to and from work account for just over half of all rides and more than 60 percent are repeat riders.

“The popularity of the seven days a week service really shows the need for last mile service for workers and residents,” said Kress. “Over 44 percent of the trips are one-way so we know passengers are taking advantage of the many other ways to move about downtown, including walking.”

Kress continues, “Downtowner is providing exactly what we hoped it would – a safe, comfortable, and quick ride for that last mile home or wherever your destination may be.”

Due to the overwhelming interest in the service, Kress is encouraging riders to check wait times early. “We suggest our riders plan ahead, especially during the peak hours of lunch and dinner.” Top users of the app include residential buildings, hotels, University of Tampa, Publix, and Amalie Arena.

The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: FL Department of Transportation, SPP/Lightning, Marriott Waterside, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Barrymore Riverwalk Hotel, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Le Meridien Tampa, Park Tower, Bank of America Plaza, Tampa City Center, Franklin Exchange, Rivergate Tower, 100 N Tampa, Fifth Third Center, SunTrust Financial Center, Two Harbour Place.

About the Tampa Downtown Partnership 

The Tampa Downtown Partnership (TDP) is a private, membership based not-for-profit 501(c)6 comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, the TDP administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the TDP serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning and beautification.

About Downtowner Inc

Downtowner’s concept stemmed from a need to get around town in a better way. Downtowner utilizes mobile app logistics technology and 100% electric vehicles to provide on-demand rides in downtown areas and their surrounding neighborhoods. Their focus is addressing the micro-transit issues that many cities are facing every day. Currently, Downtowner is providing the last and first mile of transit for hundreds of thousands of people across the country.