Catching an Uber shouldn't require a whole lot of thought, but unfortunately for women, especially in Atlanta, the threat of trafficking or sexual assault is all too real.
Atlanta native Kiersten Harris took notice of this issue, especially after surviving her own sexual assault. The experience spurred her into creating an app that would allow women to feel safe while on the move.
HERide, a ride sharing service that specifically centers the wellbeing of women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, officially launched this year. Kiersten, who is just 23, celebrated the company's first official ride with a tweet on Feb. 12.
The service differentiates itself from other ride-sharing apps with it's background check method. While most other companies use an automated online system called Checkr, which Kiersten says doesn't do a thorough job, HERide conducts all of their background checks by hand over a 30-day period. They also only hire women drivers.
Currently the service is only offered within the 285 perimeter, but Kiersten says she has her eyes set on expansion.