RideAustin Temporarily Ceases Operations Amid Coronavirus Threat

AUSTIN, TX — RideAustin, the city's sole nonprofit ride-sharing firm, temporarily suspended its operations on Monday as a precaution amid the new coronavirus threat.

"Our top priority and concern will always be the safety and wellbeing of Austinites," officials wrote on the company's website. "Since launching in 2016, RideAustin has remained committed to serving the Austin community. In that vein, we want to do all that we can to slow the spread of coronavirus and flatten the curve."

Health officials have stressed the importance of physical distancing to mitigate the potential spread of respiratory illness. The guidelines prompted RideAustin to temporarily cease its operations, officials said.

"Because there are still so many unknowns about the virus and the effects that its spread will have on the community, we want to be prudent and proactive in doing our part to follow the recommendations," officials wrote. "We do not take this decision lightly, as we know that our users rely on our service. Given how the virus has spread, we must make the responsible decision in order to protect both our drivers and riders."

Still, officials stressed the temporary nature of the stoppage: "Please note that we are not closing permanently," officials wrote. "This is a temporary suspension of operations (a pause), and we will notify you about the restart date via email when we have more information."

Customers with comments or questions are directed to email support@rideaustin.com.

RideAustin emerged as a ride-sharing option for residents after the departure of Uber and Lyftamid differences with city policies over fingerprinting of drivers as a security measure. After the matter was put to voters in a public referendum — most of whom agreed ride-share firm drivers' fingerprints should be on file as a security measure — both Uber and Lyft abandoned the local market. Both companies returned after Gov. Greg Abbott orchestrated superseding state regulations that rendered municipal policies obsolete.