AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new rideshare service rolling out in Austin will featured armed drivers, in an effort company officials say will help bolster customers’ security.
Ride-hailing service BlackWolf announced this month it was expanding its services into Austin, Dallas and Houston. BlackWolf is in its recruitment phase, looking to launch around January 2025 in all three markets with between 35 and 50 drivers in each city, a company spokesperson told NewsNation affiliate KXAN.
Founder Kerry KingBrown launched the company in Atlanta last year, inspired to develop a rideshare platform centered around security after hearing about his friend’s experience of being sex trafficked. More than 300,000 downloads of the app have been made since its launch, company officials said.
Services have since expanded to Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, along with the Florida communities of Boca Raton, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach.
BlackWolf currently offers two tiers of service: BlackWolf Premium and BlackWolf Armed, with the latter the only service level featuring armed drivers. The business is also working to roll out a BlackWolf Comfort service.
BlackWolf Premium drivers must undergo thorough background checks and also are required to have at least four years of experience in the military, law enforcement and security sectors. This service offering specializes in premium sedans and SUV vehicles, with eligible types outlined here.
BlackWolf Armed focuses on hiring drivers who hold active security licenses in their respective states. These drivers will also have premium sedans and SUVs.
BlackWolf Comfort drivers will go through an extensive background check and are required to have at least four years of experience in the military, law enforcement or security. This service level will feature “everyday vehicles,” with a list of eligible vehicle types listed online.
“These are the people who’ve dedicated their lives to serve their communities and country, and we’re proud to give them a home at Black Wolf where their expertise is put to great use,” BlackWolf’s spokesperson added.
Currently, Lyft’s safety policy outlines a stringent “no weapons” clause for all properties, applying to both Lyft Hubs and its service centers. This “no weapons” policy applies to its drivers, even in areas where they are legally allowed to carry a weapon.
For Uber, its policy confirms riders and their guests along with Uber drivers and food delivery workers aren’t allowed to carry firearms “to the extent permitted by applicable law.”