A LOCAL businessman is taking on the big boys with his own rideshare company, which is totally independent of the large international companies.
Darrell Storey runs rideshare company ‘Need a Ride Whitsundays’, which operates two Toyota Hiaces with 10 and 11 seats.
Both vehicles can be hired via the app, with Mr Storey pleased about the take-up of his service so far, the idea for which was born in 2022.
Since March last year, Need a Ride Whitsundays has done 5,500 rides.
So far, jobs have been mainly in Airlie Beach and surrounds, as well as jobs to Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Currently, there are three drivers who, between them, work almost round-the clock.
The goal is to expand the business footprint, as more drivers come onboard.
“I would love to have some drivers in Bowen, which is desperate for a rideshare service,” Mr Storey, 55, said.
“If we could get a driver based in Proserpine as well, that would be good. A Proserpine based driver could better handle the airport jobs.
“It’s a good job for retirees and people who want a part-time job – it’s not quite a full-time job, currently, but we are working on that.”
Mr Storey, who lives in Cannonvale and has been a Whitsundays resident for more than 12 years, also owns and runs the Airlie Beach Party Bus.
“The Airlie Beach Party Bus started in 2019, just before the big shutdown [due to COVID], but it’s still there.
“When we came back [from shutdown] it was so, so busy. I sat down with my brother, Christmas 2022, and we came up with Need a Ride Whitsundays.
“We are independent of any of the big international rideshares.
“It’s the same concept, where people can book online and pay online, and they can book in advance as many rides as they want.
“So, if they were going to work at a certain time, they can book a whole lot of rides together in advance.”
The option to book a trailer or a baby seat is also available.
“We are totally independent and employ locals, so all the money stays in the Whitsundays,” Mr Storey said.
