If you’re planning to get around Athens this fall and winter without benefit of a car, take heart. The ride-hailing service Lyft is here, so as long as you’ve got a smartphone and a credit card, you’re good to go. You no-doubt know how it works: summon a driver through the app, wait a bit, pay through your app and go. Lyft continues to be a great service for those who want to act responsibly by summoning a ride rather than driving home after drinking in bars.
A word of caution, particularly for young women hailing a ride on Lyft: make sure the car you’re getting into is the car you have on your screen. Drivers should have some identifying credentials in the car so you know they’re who they say they are. Always ask the name of the driver to make sure the guy behind the wheel is the one you’re looking for.
Some other options, for those who go carless, or prefer to leave the heap at home around their Athens Ohio parking rentals:
- Ohio University offers its CATS late night bus system, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; buses go only to OU buildings.
- Ready to get out of Athens and see the countryside? Try GoBus.
- Need to get to the airport? Call Athens GoTo Cab.
- TABS taxi and airport service is another taxi option, as is Green Cab.
Ride sharing and using public transportation can help fill in those gaps when it’s inconvenient to walk or ride your bike. It is possible to get around the area quite successfully without a car, or else by just parking your car and leaving it for emergencies.