In bustling college towns across Indiana, Chad Mastagh is introducing a new era of ridesharing with his innovative service, Rides2U. Born from a simple need to ensure his children’s safety while away at college, Chad has developed a business that redefines the standards of communal travel. Rides2U distinguishes itself in the marketplace by offering guaranteed safe, dependable, and quality travel experiences for students, parents, and residents alike. This service fulfills Chad’s mission to provide peace of mind to families. From concept to thriving enterprise in three short years, Rides2U proves that a clear vision is the key to a successful business.
A Need Sparks an Idea
Chad Mastagh is no stranger to hard work; he’s dedicated over two decades to serving his community as a firefighter while also working at Ryder Truck Rental. Despite the demanding nature of his jobs, Chad was determined to find a way to support his children’s educational and extracurricular activities without compromising family time. “I didn’t want to take more time away from home,” Chad explains. This determination led him to explore supplementary income opportunities, ultimately driving for Uber and Lyft.
His experiences as a rideshare driver quickly revealed gaps in safety and reliability that concerned him as a parent. Witnessing firsthand the inconsistencies in vehicle quality and driver dependability, Chad felt a growing unease about the safety standards within existing services. “Seeing the conditions some passengers had to accept, including my own kids, made me realize there had to be a better way,” he says. With these insights and his protective instinct, Rides2U was born.
Raising the Bar in Ridesharing Standards
Rides2U is setting new industry benchmarks with stringent safety protocols and prioritizing driver welfare and satisfaction. Each vehicle undergoes an annual 50-point mechanical inspection by certified mechanics, ensuring they exceed the typical safety standards of traditional ridesharing services. “We ensure every vehicle is safe and pristine, reflecting our commitment to passenger comfort and driver pride,” Chad explains.
Beyond vehicle standards, Rides2U revolutionizes driver compensation and work conditions. Drivers receive up to 70% of the fare for shorter rides and 65% for longer routes, significantly higher than the industry average. “This fair compensation strategy allows drivers to plan their schedules confidently and earn substantially more than they would with conventional rideshare companies,” says Chad. This approach attracts high-quality drivers, fosters loyalty and job satisfaction, and ensures that drivers are motivated.
Additionally, Rides2U takes driver vetting seriously, going beyond basic background checks and vehicle inspections. Chad and his team personally vet every driver via interview to ensure that each driver meets high standards of professionalism and integrity. “Our team has children, and as they interview potential drivers, it always comes down to whether or not they would put their own kids in a vehicle with the driver,” Chad states. This meticulous selection process helps cultivate a team of drivers who genuinely care about the safety and comfort of their passengers.
Building Loyalty Through Reservations
For passengers, Rides2U offers a reservation-based system that guarantees a ride that will arrive on time as well as the choice of driver. This system builds a sense of loyalty, as passengers can request drivers they know and trust, enhancing personal security and comfort. “Our customers love knowing who will be picking them up, and our reservation system allows for this level of personal service,” says Chad. This predictability is a stark contrast to the gamble of traditional ridesharing services where a passenger never knows who will arrive at their door.
Innovation and Tech Advancements
Chad Mastagh’s journey with Rides2U took a transformative turn at Notre Dame’s Idea Center, where he refined his business model and connected with a network of potential investors. “Winning Best Community Venture in 2021 opened crucial doors for us,” Chad recalls. This recognition secured initial seed funding and partnerships, which laid the groundwork for Rides2U’s operations, from establishing robust insurance frameworks to initiating the first phases of app development.
As demand increased, Chad realized the limitations of managing ride requests via text. This led to the creation of a web-based application hat refined their service. “Our first app essentially linked riders to drivers through a simple website,” says Chad. By the end of 2023, with additional investments, Rides2U launched a more sophisticated app available on both Apple and Android platforms. This upgrade enhanced both the user experience and operational efficiency, transforming how customers interacted with the service and managed their travel needs.
Overcoming Challenges with Faith
As Rides2U continued to expand, Chad faced numerous obstacles including securing funding for app development. Thankfully, Chad was able to rely on his Faith to be a guiding force. Inspired by a speech about surrendering to a higher power, Chad felt a call to trust in his vision and double down on his commitment. It was the words of Kentucky Wildcats coach, Nick Mingione, about the power of Faith in leadership that inspired him to invest in himself and Rides2U. This leap of Faith was met with a wave of support from new investors that propelled the company forward. Chad believes that these moments of Faith-driven decision-making were crucial turning points that helped secure the early growth and sustainability of Rides2U. “God has shown me and my family incredible favor, and I feel like it’s my job to tell everybody and anybody that God changed my life. He changed this company,” exclaims Chad.
Expanding Horizons and Sharing Wisdom
Chad Mastagh is focused on growing Rides2U through franchising and partnerships. “Looking ahead, we aim to bring Rides2U to more college towns across the country, offering a service that emphasizes safety and reliability,” Chad explains. His vision will extend the company’s reach while supporting other entrepreneurs eager to make a difference in their communities.
As Chad reflects on his journey and plans for the future, he also offers sage advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Be passionate and find an idea that you’re willing to fight for,” he advises. “Surround yourself with people who support you. My wife’s been incredible with believing in what I’ve been doing and supporting me and our family. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of entrepreneurship hubs popping up across the United States looking for innovative ideas.” His advice encourages new business owners to have a supportive network to help overcome challenges.
Stay Connected with Rides2U
Chad Mastagh invites everyone to join the Rides2U community and follow their evolving story. Whether you’re looking to use the service or stay updated on its growth and impact, you can find all necessary links on their LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/Rides2U?ltsid=546099f4-cfc2-43ae-8e1b-83c9c9a8c1d6. Here, you’ll have access to social media updates, service details, and direct links to the Rides2U website.
As Rides2U continues to redefine safe and reliable transportation in college towns, Chad remains committed to his mission of providing peace of mind to families. Looking ahead, Chad envisions Rides2U as a movement that champions safety and community across the nation. Join Chad and the Rides2U team as they drive forward, making roads safer and futures brighter for communities everywhere.
Written by Eleni Owens | Photos by Gary Riggs Photography