NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new app aims to help solve Nashville's traffic problems, by encouraging people to share rides and reduce the number of cars on the road.
The Hytch Rewards app is free and available for Android and iOS smartphones. It was invented and built in Nashville.
“It makes sense if everyone shares a ride,” said Mark Cleveland, CEO and Co-Founder of Hytch. “That is the fastest way to a congestion-free lifestyle.”
The app helps you track rides you share with friends, neighbors and co-workers. It gives you credit for carpooling, ridesharing through Uber or Lyft, or using public transit. Money is rewarded for each qualified mile.
“We really are the solution to traffic problems,” said Cleveland. “We just have to be smarter on how we use our roads and highway systems.”
Cleveland said over 10,000 people in the Nashville area have downloaded the app, and the company has paid out $200,000 to people who have shared rides.
“People will share rides more if they are paid for it, and reminded to do it,” said Cleveland. “Then they will think about it a little bit more.”
The cities of Brentwood and Franklin have rolled out partnerships with Hytch. Now city employees have the chance to access additional cash rewards while ride sharing and using the app.
Cleveland said he hoped other regional cities and employers will get on board and offer their employees incentive to use the app. He is currently in discussions with officials in Seattle and Denver.
