By: Jamal Hamama

In a market dominated by seemingly unstoppable giants, Wave differentiates itself by focusing on what customers really care about: safety, reliability, and excellent service. As this rideshare and delivery company expands across the United States, it is winning over customers by prioritizing the human element, especially toward the more underserved populations of society.

What Customers Signal for in a Ride App

When choosing a rideshare app, customers look for several important things: the previously mentioned safety, reliability, and quality of service, plus affordability. Safety is the  important, with riders wanting to know that their drivers are thoroughly checked and that the vehicles are well-maintained. 

Reliability is also a major point, as customers expect timely pickups and efficient routes. Affordability is a key factor, especially in a competitive market where prices can vary. Lastly, the overall quality of service itself, including driver professionalism and customer support, can make or break a customer’s experience.

Wave has addressed these customer needs by implementing strict safety protocols aimed at optimizing both their vehicles and the drivers themselves. In addition, using advanced AI technology, the company calculates optimal routes on the fly and uses the same technology for integrated customer service.

Safety Statistics in Rideshare and Public Transport

Safety concerns have always been a big issue in the rideshare industry. According to a 2022 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rideshare vehicles have fewer accidents per mile than private vehicles. However, many riders still worry about their safety. A survey by the Pew Research Center in 2023 found that 45% of rideshare users are concerned about their safety during rides, highlighting the need for strong safety measures.

Public transportation, while generally safe, also has its challenges. In 2022, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reported that public transit systems in major cities saw a 10% increase in safety incidents, including assaults and thefts. This has led many commuters to look for alternative transportation options that offer a higher sense of security.

Wave addresses these safety concerns directly. The company conducts thorough background checks on all drivers, performs regular vehicle inspections, and uses AI to monitor driver behavior in real time. 

“Safety is not just our priority – it is who we are as a company,” says Wave’s CEO Diondre Lewis. “We strive to go above normal rideshare standards. We must keep our riders secure and comfortable above all else.“

Wave’s Unique Services

Wave offers various services designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers, especially those normally overlooked by conventional transportation services. These include standard rideshare services, non-emergency medical transport, corporate rideshare, and food delivery through its WaveBites platform. 

Each service is crafted specifically to fulfill the niche requirements of those that may need it, be it assisted home pick-up or emergency panic buttons. The company’s focus on community support further strengthens its appeal as a go-to service. Wave actively supports local businesses through its WaveBites food delivery service, helping to drive more customers to neighborhood restaurants. 

Another standout offering is Wave’s Kids Rides service, which provides safe and reliable transportation for children. This service is particularly popular among busy parents who need a trustworthy option for getting their kids to and from school or extracurricular activities. Wave’s drivers for this service undergo additional training and background checks to achieve the highest level of safety.

On the more professional side is Wave’s corporate rideshare, which caters to businesses looking for reliable transportation solutions for their employees. This service has gained traction among companies seeking to provide safe and efficient commuting options for their workforce. “We’ve had corporations arrange long-term deals with us as an added benefit to their staff. Even after leaving the company, the same employees have continued to ride with us,” says Lewis.

Driving Brand Loyalty Through Customer Service

Wave’s focus on customer service is key to its growing popularity. The company strongly emphasizes building customer trust through consistent, high-quality service.

“We want our customers to feel confident that they are in safe hands every time they ride with us,” says Lewis.

Wave also uses advanced AI technology to augment the customer experience. The company’s AI algorithms optimize real-time routes, reducing wait times and establishing efficient journeys. Additionally, Wave’s AI-driven demand prediction helps balance supply and demand, minimizing the chances of ride cancellations or long wait times. 

“It’s all about making the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved, be it the rider, driver, or those waiting for them at home,” explains Lewis.

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global AI in transportation market—which includes ridesharing—was valued at $1.21 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $10.30 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% from 2020 to 2027. At the forefront of this technological disruption, Wave seeks to stay ahead on both the customer service and technology fronts.

Riding the Wave: The Road to the Future

As Wave continues expanding its services across the United States, its company tenets will likely drive further growth and brand loyalty. With plans to go public and ambitions to become a global brand, Wave is well-positioned to disrupt the rideshare and delivery industry, so long as it keeps its course. 

The United States needs more services like Wave to address the growing demand for safe,  customer-centric transportation and delivery options. As urban populations increase and public transportation systems grow more congested, companies like Wave offer novel solutions that prioritize the needs of individuals, corporations and entire communities alike. 

With advanced technology and a customer-first code to company culture, Wave intends to become a household name solely by meeting the needs of the everyday consumer. In time, the tools and strategies employed by Wave will likely be adopted by other rideshare services seeking to improve the quality of their services. 

The growing success of Wave proves that a significant market gap exists—one that can only be filled by transportation solutions catered toward customer satisfaction rather than profit margins or short-term gimmicks. The presence of such companies will be essential in driving positive change and allowing widespread access to dependable and secure mobility solutions.

Published by: Nelly Chavez