so rideleap is a new way to widen the class divide in san francisco. much like the google busses, which transport tech workers from their homes to their offices (it isn’t just google, many tech companies use them). rideleap offers a $6 commute with cushy seats, local (expensive) snacks such as blue bottle coffee, free wifi and usb ports. you use your iphone or android to board (but don’t worry, you can use a paper print out if you don’t have a smartphone. bc everyone has snap access to a printer, right?). everyone in the promo video is on the newest smartphone, or computer (with one old-fashioned book reader) wearing fresh-pressed business casual.
the bus routes are timed for the 9-5 workday, running 7-10 am and 5-8pm (so its useless if you don’t work those hours, like maybe if you work the night cleaning shift at google? or work the evening cafeteria rush?). you have to make an online profile, list credit card information, and post a picture of yourself. meaning there isn’t much anonymity, they know who you are and you just have to be ok with that (and have a credit card)
so another great example of the neoliberal sharing economy, where private endeavors provide resources inaccessible to the masses, while mimicking the infrastructure that SHOULD BE provided for all (remember public transportation?) regardless of income level, work schedule, or desire to purchase $4 coffee.
