studentsineurope

Review: Hitchsters.com

Hitchster.com's home page

I’m not a big fan of cabs.  They’re expensive, I never know if I should try and make small talk with the cab driver or not, and I never, ever know how much to tip.

But sometimes, a cab may be the only option.  Maybe the train doesn’t run directly through the town you want to go to, or maybe there just isn’t any available public transportation.  Either way, you may just have to bite the bullet and take a cab for once.

Here’s the good news: thanks to a new website called Hitchsters.com, you may not have to drain your wallet the next time you take a cab to or from the airport.

Hitchsters.com offers travelers a way to connect with other voyagers going to or from the airport so you can split the cab fare.  You can even express a preference for the gender of your co-rider, so if you’re hoping to luck out and find a cute girl – or avoid a creepy guy – you can let the website know.

Wondering how it works?  In order to save some money, you have to first create a MyHitchsters account (I know, annoying, but it won’t take you long).  Then, enter your trip itinerary, select your location, and wait.  As soon as you’re matched, you will be sent a text message and e-mail containing the first name and cell phone of your co-rider.  A partnering service will then call both riders to arrange the ride.

After your journey, you can evaluate your trip, and whether you liked your co-rider and the cab company.  Hitchsters will remember your preferences and try to duplicate or avoid the same ones in the future.

Try it out – you’ll save money, help the environment, and possibly even meet a new friend on the way.