Why Local Matters: The Case For Supporting New Zealand-Owned Transport Services

Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 2:10 pm
Press Release: YourRide

With sustainability, safety, and economic fairness becoming more important to New Zealanders, there's growing awareness around the impact of everyday choices, including how we travel. Increasingly, people are recognising that local ownership in transport isn't just a feel-good factor—it has real-world benefits for communities, workers, and the planet.

“We are here to show why choosing local creates value you can feel—from stronger regional economies to safer rides and better working conditions for drivers,” says Conrad Heaven, Chief Marketing Officer at YourRide.

The Local Advantage

Founded as Zoomy in 2013 and rebranded as YourRide in 2023, the app connects New Zealanders to fully licensed, police-vetted taxi drivers nationwide. Unlike many rideshare platforms, YourRide is 100% Kiwi-owned, exclusive to TaxiCharge partner fleets, and designed around the needs of business travellers, government agencies, and everyday passengers who want both convenience and confidence.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

“When you take a YourRide, your fare isn’t disappearing offshore—it’s going into the back pockets of full-time local drivers and regional taxi operators,” Heaven adds.

“That money stays in the country, supports jobs, and helps fund community wellbeing.”

Real Benefits, Beyond the App

The benefits of choosing local transport services like YourRide extend into several key areas:

• Economic resilience: Supporting local means circulating profits, wages, and investment within New Zealand.
• Safety: YourRide drivers are full-time professionals, police-vetted, and equipped with in-car cameras—raising the bar on passenger protection.
• Accountability: Integrating TaxiCharge, YourRide offers business travellers pre-approved payment options, real-time ride tracking, and easy-to-manage expense records.

Unlike global rideshare platforms, where pricing and availability fluctuate based on algorithms, YourRide offers a stable, transparent, and values-led service rooted in Kiwi communities.

“It’s more than just getting from A to B—it’s about how we treat the people doing the driving, how we impact the environment, and how we support our towns and cities.” says Heaven.

Corporate & Government Clients Taking Notice

With nationwide coverage and a frictionless user experience, YourRide is gaining traction with corporate and government clients seeking to align their transport needs with broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and social procurement goals.

By enabling organisations to manage travel spending via TaxiCharge cards and vouchers, YourRide provides an innovative, secure, and ethical alternative to rideshare apps—without compromising speed or tech.

“You don’t need to compromise your values to get great service,” Heaven explains.
“We offer real-time tracking, upfront fare estimates, and prebooking—all while keeping things local, safe, and fair.”

© Scoop Media