Round Rock, Texas, is making strides with its convenient, low-cost rideshare service, Round Rock Rides, which now ferries citizens to over 700 locales within the city. Operating on the simple principle—everyone deserves accessible transportation, whether for grocery shopping, lunching with friends, or attending doctors' appointments—Round Rock Rides emphasizes inclusivity and service in its approach to mobility.
For those early risers or workers with the nine-to-five, services run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and for the weekend warriors, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. A one-way trip typically costs $4, but senior citizens and active-duty military are afforded a reduced fare of $2 a trip. The city has also taken a step further to ensure that individuals eligible for paratransit services have their own curb-to-curb transportation, marking an extra mile in catering to the mobility needs of the community.
Despite the presence of public busing, Round Rock Rides offers an alternative with its dynamic and flexible rideshare option, which is particularly advantageous for those whose needs extend beyond the fixed bus routes, simply looking for a direct ride. This innovative program, as reported by the City of Round Rock, is facilitated by the Austin-based zTrip rideshare company and is exclusively available within Round Rock city limits.
Introduced in 2023 as a pilot program and later expanded city-wide, the ridership statistics speak to the program's success. After accumulating 14,800 rides in its first full fiscal year, the estimated passenger count for the current year has already reached approximately 22,000 with two months still to go. Interested residents can access the Round Rock Rides service by downloading their app from either the Apple Store or Google Play Store, or by signing up online.
