Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford's ride-hailing bus service Chariot closes

Chariot closes less than three years after being purchased by Ford

Ford has announced it is winding down its ride-hailing bus company, Chariot, less than three years after it purchased the startup for a reported $65 million (£51 million).

• London T-charge comes into force

Chariot ran a fleet of 14-seater buses in London from early 2018, across six routes, predominently in the south London boroughs of Lambeth, Greenwich, and Wandsworth. The company will cease to operate in London on 25 January 2019.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Ford bought San Francisco startup Chariot for a rumoured $65 million in 2016, with the company running in its hometown and a number of other US cities, including New York.

By logging onto the Chariot smartphone app, users were able to request a pickup, which generally took place at a pre-existing bus stop. Although the journeys taken by Chariot’s minibuses followed predetermined routes, their drivers would be able to divert in order to avoid traffic delays.

The company’s US model also allowed customers to buy monthly passes using “pre-tax dollars”, offering savings in the process.

Announcing the company's demise, Chariot CEO Dan Grossman, said: "In today’s mobility landscape, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly." Grossman thanked Chariot's customers and partners for their support.

Read more about the new alliance between Ford and VW here...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
Best fast Fords - the greatest high-performance cars ever built by the Blue Oval
Best fast Fords

Best fast Fords - the greatest high-performance cars ever built by the Blue Oval

We reveal our favourites, from hot hatches to coupés and track legends
Best cars & vans
19 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025