Updated on February 7, 2019

Getting Around Manhattan Gets Cheaper

Via just expanded and their $5 rides now cover most of Mahattan. Haven't heard of Via yet? This smaller competitor to Lyft Line, Uber Pool, and Gett, in New York City, is different – it only provides shared rides, not private rides. While Via is smaller, it does have one advantage: it allows the use of pre-tax dollars. Via's hours are limited to 6:30am to 9pm (when most people need to commute).

They are also offering up to a $1,000 bonus for new TLC licensed drivers. More details below.

HOW VIA $5 RIDES COMPARE

• Via $5 Rides: 110th St to Houston St. (only from 6:30am to 9pm)
• Lyft Line $5 Rides: South of 97th St. (Limited Time Promotion)
• Uber Pool $10 Rides: South of 96th St. (Limited Time Promotion)
• Gett $10 (Private) Rides: South of 110th St.

$10 SIGN UP BONUS

1. Download the free app: Apple's App Store or Google Play
2. When you sign up, enter the promotion code  JEFFREY5T8  Just click MENU –> PROMO CODES.

$1,000 NEW DRIVER BONUS

Via is paying up to $1000 for new drivers in New York City (must be TLC licensed). They prefer larger vehicles but it is not required – see the full list of vehicles.  It is a tiered bonus, so you will receive $100, $400, $500 once you complete 3, 35 peak hours (in the first 2 weeks), 60 peak hours (in the first 4 weeks).

1. To apply visit drivewithvia.com and click “Apply Now”.
2. For the question “How did you hear about Via?” select JEFF200 in the dropdown to qualify for the bonus.
3. Complete the rest of the application.

 

COVERAGE AREA

The expanded service area is from 110th street down to Houston St. (previously 14th st). A $5 shared ride in of Manhattan is a great deal — and an alternative to Lyft's $5 promotion.

USE PRE-TAX DOLLARS

Via allows you to pay with Pre-Tax Dollars, making your ride even cheaper. Via's larger competitors do not offer this. I currently use a Commuter Check card to pay for my public transit which would work with Via's system.  They accept WageWorks, Commuter Check, TransitCheck, Beniversal, and eTRAC.

REFER A FRIEND CONTEST

Win $50 Via ride credit (that's 10 rides!) by referring the most friends with your own referral code by 4pm on August 2nd. The next two runners up will also receive $10 ride credit.