WASHINGTON – In these days of wallet-busting gas prices, two young Virginia brothers are providing a transportation niche that marries customer savings with an environmentally friendly business.
Jeff and Joey Anderson, who are in their 20s, cannot keep up with demand. Two years ago, the Richmond-area entrepreneurs started a company called . And in spite of tough economic times, Jeff Anderson says the company has expanded “quite a bit” in roughly the past year.
BioRide is a unique transportation service. The company runs a fleet of new vehicles on biodiesel, which they make from grease they get from local restaurants, and then they pass the savings onto the customer.
“We don’t call it a taxi. We don’t call it a limousine. It’s a bioride,” Jeff Anderson says.
Although biodiesel is a major part of what BioRide does, Anderson says they want to change people’s perceptions on transportation services. He says the company strives to get creative with customer service.
“Everything is on point. We have WiFi in all of our vehicles. We have an iPad in our executive vehicles,” Anderson says.
The driver shows up 15 minutes early and texts clients to let them know he is outside and asks clients if they need anything. He stresses that his drivers have to be very personable.
“People look forward to taking a BioRide. They look forward to meeting their driver,” Anderson says.
For Anderson, the smell of French Fries is the sweet smell of success.
“It is true. (Success) smells like French Fries, but very fresh,” he says referring to the fumes from burning biodiesel.
WTOP’s Kathy Stewart contributed to this report. Follow on Twitter.
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