(NewsNation) — A ride-hailing service featuring armed, vetted drivers is set to expand to new markets across the United States.
BlackWolf App, an Atlanta-based company founded by Kerry KingBrown, promises trained and armed “executive protection specialists at the push of a button, providing customers with a sense of security during their travels.
While not affiliated with Uber or Lyft, BlackWolf follows a similar on-demand ride model.
‘Too many people getting carjacked’: KingBrown
After 18 years in security, protecting everyone from celebrities to politicians, KingBrown, a former bodyguard and a private investigator, decided to address what he identifies as a vacuum in the ride-hailing industry.
BlackWolf has emerged nationwide with more than 210,000 downloads so far. KingBrown highlights a strong demand in major cities due to safety concerns.
“There’s too many rapes. There’s too many people getting carjacked. There’s too many that are not vetted, There’s too many drivers who are driving the wrong vehicle,” he said.
In 2019, nearly 2,000 sexual assaults were reported by Lyft passengers and almost 3,000 by Uber customers. The previous year, Uber reported about 3,600 serious injury crashes, with more than 2,000 requiring hospitalizations.
What are BlackWolf’s driver requirements?
BlackWolf drivers are required to have a minimum of five years of experience in the military, law enforcement or private security. Each driver must be CPR-certified and have completed training in defensive driving.
Most importantly, drivers can be armed during the ride if the customer chooses. There are options to ensure a driver is unarmed, if customers prefer that.
BlackWolf offers school services for parents who want minors to be transported by former officers or military personnel.
“That driver has to be vetted. That driver has to have a background. That driver has to have a proper vehicle,” KingBrown said. “Normally when people want to feel safe, the price is really out of their budget.”
Customers can request an armed driver through the Black Wolf app, with prices starting at $60 for an armed driver and $50 for an unarmed driver. Additional charges of $1.75 per mile apply.
Where is the BlackWolf app available?
BlackWolf is currently available in Atlanta and Miami, with plans to launch soon in Chicago, Nashville and Phoenix.
KingBrown told NewsNation that he receives dozens of applicants and inquiries daily for new cities. He added that more drivers are going through orientation, showing interest in this startup, which ultimately helps the app spread to other cities.
NewsNation reached out to Uber and Lyft for comment regarding whether they’d be interested in arming their drivers as an option to offer to consumers but has not received a response.