Blacklane is a German company that offers ride-hailing services. The company, founded in 2011, works with professional chauffeurs. It provides airport trips to travelers by using an app. However, they target business clients. They can order rides to business meetings and conferences. Even more, Blacklane uses luxury cars for rides. That service is similar to Uber Black and Lyft Lux Black. After the company acquired Havn, the company wanted to go public but delayed it until 2023.
How Blacklane adapted its services during the pandemic?
Blacklane expanded its service to many locations in different cities in the USA. The CEO and the co-founder of the company announced that in The Wall Street Journal. The ride-hailing industry has changed during the pandemic. Due to the lockdowns, the demand for rides has dropped. Uber and Lyft stated that in February. The booking of rides has reduced by 50 % compared to the same period from last year. However, the ride-hailing industry has adjusted to the new circumstances formed by COVID-19. For example, Uber increased its earnings with the help of Uber Eats. Yet, Blacklane started a new inner-city service except for its regular airport rides.
How can you become a Blacklane chauffeur?
Unlike Uber or Lyft, Blacklane requires additional skills and documents from its drivers. Chauffeurs must be at least 25 years old and should have a valid driver’s and chauffeur’s license. They must pass a criminal background check and present a headshot of themselves. The automobiles should be no more than two or three years old as the brand offers luxury rides. The cars should also be in excellent condition and smoke-free. The company competes with Uber and Lyft in short-distance travels from 1st March in New York City.
How do drivers work in the company?
Blacklane is a ride-hailing company that provides chauffeur services. You can manage your requests through their app (BL Chauffeur app) Customers can rate your services as well as your vehicle. The company offers 24/7 support for chauffeurs. Blacklane drivers report on forums that it is higher than Uber Black’s commission rate, but it’s not clear if it’s the same as Uber’s or just more consistent work. The app has automatic flight tracking, so you can arrive earlier or later for your pick-up or drop-off times. It has no gratuity, but drivers can expect to wait an additional 15 minutes for their pick-ups.
Is Blacklane going public?
The difference between Blacklane and Uber or Lyft is that skilled professional drivers with luxury cars perform the rides for Blacklane. The German company also offers limo rides, but its chauffeurs are empty 80 % of the time. Blacklane had an intention to go public in 2022 but postponed it to 2023 or later. This year the brand reported that it had acquired Havn. That company offers a similar service as Blacklane. Its drivers use battery-electric crossover SUVs manufactured by Jaguar. Havn claims the fully electric Jaguar I-PACE is friendly to the environment. The car is also safe, comfortable, and stylish.
