Writer / Ashley Dykton
Looking for a local rideshare that stands out for its professionalism and affordable pricing? Look no further than Safely There!, an Indianapolis-area partner of Rides2U, a reservation-based rideshare company that prioritizes being a safe, reliable and convenient car service with competitive rates.
Rides2U was founded in 2020 by South Bend firefighter Chad Mastagh, who had a vision of providing the Notre Dame and South Bend community an expert car service with convenience at a competitive price.
Rides2U is expanding and becoming accessible to new communities and college campuses, with local entrepreneur Annaliza Proctor bringing Rides2U to central Indiana through her business, Safely There!, an Indianapolis-area transportation partner of Rides2U. Proctor has a child going to Purdue West Lafayette, so Safely There! serves West Lafayette and Indianapolis, as well as offers car service trips to the Indianapolis International Airport and Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare airports.
Proctor’s experience in hospitality and client relations established her to have a service-centered perspective that prioritizes the guest experience.
“Through Safely There!, I am focused on building a dependable, professional transportation network that connects passengers with safe, reliable and personalized ride experiences throughout Central Indiana,” says Proctor.
Proctor initially was a driver for Rides2U, but she saw the potential of creating a partnership with the company. Using her entrepreneur and business background, she leveraged herself as a strong candidate to help expand Rides2U into the developing Indianapolis market.
“The experience of ownership has been both exciting and rewarding. I have gone from being behind the wheel to helping build the infrastructure behind the market — recruiting drivers, developing partnerships, identifying business opportunities, establishing our presence, and creating a foundation for sustainable growth. That transition has been incredibly fulfilling because I understand the business from both sides: the driver experience and the customer experience, along with the strategic and operational perspective of my hospitality background,” says Proctor.
For Proctor, being a part of Rides2U is creating something more than a car-riding service. It is her way of creating opportunities and serving the community by developing something that can have a lasting impact.
“Being part of the early stages and having the opportunity to shape the Indianapolis market is something I am genuinely proud of,” says Proctor.
Advertised as “Drivers we’d put our own kids in the car with,” Rides2U is very selective about its drivers and vehicle standards because safety is its highest priority. These comprehensive safety measures verify that every driver and vehicle is carefully vetted to certify quality assurance.
This includes a 12-point driver vetting process where licensed drivers undergo background checks, federal, national and county criminal searches, and must maintain a clean driving record and appropriate auto insurance. Drivers must also undergo personalized interviews, participate in training regarding rules and regulations, and adhere to a zero-tolerance policy. Vehicles must also follow strict guidelines and will routinely undergo visual inspections and annual maintenance checks to ensure they meet safety standards. All rides have live driver tracking, where a human dispatcher watches the trip and texts riders at pickup and drop-off.
“One of the things that attracted me to Rides2U was the emphasis on safety, professionalism, and accountability. Coming from a hospitality background, I understand that the customer experience begins long before a passenger enters the vehicle — it starts with knowing who is behind the wheel. We are not simply looking for people who can drive; we are looking for individuals who are dependable, professional, courteous, and understand the responsibility that comes with transporting someone. Vehicle standards are also an important part of the experience. We want passengers to feel comfortable and confident in the vehicle they are entering, which means maintaining clean, well-presented, properly maintained vehicles that meet the platform’s requirements. Technology and in-app features provided through Rides2U also help support a safer, more accountable experience by connecting passengers with their driver and trip details, while providing visibility throughout the scheduled ride. Ultimately, safety is not just a feature or a checklist. It is part of the culture we are building. My goal is for every passenger using Safely There! to feel that they are in capable hands — from the moment they book their ride to the moment they arrive at their destination,” says Proctor.
Using Safely There!, a Rides2U partner, riders can expect a professional, reliable ride with a vetted driver, a clean vehicle and upfront pricing.
People looking to utilize Rides2U’s car service can book their ride using the Rides2U app, which can be downloaded on the Apple Store or Google Play, or online at rides2u.com.
Guests can reserve a ride in advance or request one on demand. They can also choose options of a shared (typically utilized for airport trips, college move-ins and move-outs, school breaks, sporting events and community gatherings) or private ride and see transparent pricing before reserving the ride.
To learn more about Safely There! and Rides2U, visit rides2u.com/safely-there
