Light rail, Uber, scooters. There is no shortage of ways to get around Charlotte.
Now add Jaunt Charlotte to that list. And its free!
Jaunt Charlotte offers free rides around town by reaching out to local and national companies to wrap their brand or service on its electric vehicles. This allows Jaunt Charlotte to provide free rides within a two-mile radius of Center City Charlotte as well as in Southend, Noda and Plaza Midwood.
CEO EJ Drayton says he got the idea when he saw a similar concept in Tokyo Japan five years ago while playing professional basketball abroad. With help and guidance from the City of Charlotte’s Economic Development Department and others, Drayton turned that vision into reality.
“The City’s Economic Development Department has been amazing,” said Drayton. “They have guided me in the right direction and helped me build a solid platform.”
Drayton participated in the city’s AMP Up! Charlotte program, which prepares Charlotte-area minority business owners for growth and expansion through business development services, mentoring, targeted training, and access to large corporations for contract and procurement opportunities.
How Jaunt Works
Jaunt uses electric vehicles wrapped in various advertisements. Users can either flag down the e-vehicles or text the company with their location and number of riders and an available driver will text back the arrival time. Jaunt is currently working on an Uber/Lyft-type app that will be available in the coming months. The rides will remain free.
“Our drivers act as brand ambassadors for both the city and for the advertisers on that vehicle,” says Drayton. “And while the rides are free, tips keep us buzzing!” Currently, Jaunt is in the Charlotte area but Drayton plans to expand to other cities.
More information about Jaunt can be found on Instagram at ride.jaunt. You can text Jaunt at 704-980-2742 with your location and number of riders and an available driver will text back his arrival time. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 6 p.m.-2 a.m. and event based on Sunday.
