Start Hytchin'

So, you’ve downloaded the app and set up your account. There are a few steps in registration, like completing the commuter survey and steps to set up permission settings that only need to be done on the first go-around. It takes a few minutes to register and Getting started only takes a few easy steps before you're off to racking up those shared miles, tracking your impact and earning cash rewards in sponsored areas.

Getting Started Step by Step:

Open the app and tap the "Let's Hytch" button
Select how you are traveling - solo or with friends
A. For a solo hytch, simply select your mode of travel (driving alone, walk, bus, bike, etc..) and get a move on.
Once you arrive at your destination, select "finish this ride".
B. If you are traveling with friends, you can be the Host, by inviting them to join you in the Hytch. The system assumes you are the driver, but if you’re not, identify who is driving. For Hytch rides on public transit (bus, train, ferry, etc..) you select the right mode, then tap the “send text invite” bar on the bottom. As you reach your destination, tap that "finish this ride" button on the bottom of your screen.
Allow Bluetooth Sharing.
The Hytch Rewards app needs access to your bluetooth to help make sure you and your fellow Hytchers stay connected while riding together. Tap that "Enable Sharing" button and make sure your bluetooth is turned on so you can get connected.
Enable Easy Invites.
It’s easier to invite your friends, family, and co-workers into a Hytch if you can look them up by simple name search. When you start your first Hytch, a pop up message will ask for permission to "SHARE CONTACTS" -- Enabling Easy Invites is intended to make the process more convenient and does not give Hytch, LLC access to your contacts’ information. If you don’t want to connect the app with your contacts, you can send invitations by typing in the phone number of your Hytch Buddy.
Select your Hytch Buddies.
Whenever you Hytch with a friend you will need to invite them to your ride by looking them up in your contacts, or typing in their mobile phone number in the "search" bar and clicking the green "add" button. Once everyone is selected, press “NEXT”.
Select driver and tap "SEND TEXT INVITE".
If you are in a carpool, select the Hytcher who will be driving by tapping the toggle next to their name. If you are sharing a ride-hail service or using public transportation (no one in your group is driving), select the toggle next to the appropriate option, then press “SEND TEXT INVITE.”
Enable Location Sharing.
Before you begin your first Hytch, the app will ask you to "Enable Location". This allows Hytch Rewards to validate your shared miles using GPS coordinates.
Enjoy the ride!
At the top of your screen you see a gray bar message that says “Invited! Waiting for confirmation!” until at least one other person confirms your ride. That message will change to green and show a “Hytch in progress” once the shared ride is validated. On a Solo Hytch you’ll see the green "Hytch in progress" message almost instantly after selecting your mode, so enjoy the trip!

Pro Tips Maximize Hytch

Plan your trip.
This becomes routine on your daily commute. You can send an invite before you leave home to pick up your co-worker, and that makes you the host. Or, your friend can send you an invite, making them the ride host. You’ll both be able to see the other party getting closer to you. It’s like seeing the Lyft driver on the way to pick you up. If you forget to start the Hytch earlier, take care and start it while you’re mobile.
Save the Hytch Invite Number.
We recommend that invitees save the phone number Hytch uses to something recognizable, such as "Hytch Invite.
Best way to end a Hytch.
The Hytch Rewards app is designed to automatically end after you have stopped moving for about 10 minutes, or when people in the ride are too far apart. If you are the host of the trip, you have the ability to end the ride for everyone in your Hytch by tapping the "FINISH THIS TRIP," button at the bottom of the in-ride screen. Participants who were invited into a group Hytch (3 or more) can exit the trip themselves without disrupting the others in the group by clicking "LEAVE THIS TRIP". If you are in a group Hytch with just 2 people and are not the host, the Hytch will still end for both you and the host when you click "LEAVE THIS TRIP". From here, the host can continue a Hytch on their own by starting a new "Solo" Hytch.

After reviewing this page, if you have additional questions, check out our Help Page.

HOW TO CASH OUT

In addition to saving trees in your dashboard and earning carbon neutral rides, you’ve also collected some cash rewards by qualifying for sponsor incentives. Once you've collected $10 or more, you'll be ready to cash out.

From the main app menu, click the Rewards option.
Be sure to consider our Worthy Cause Partners on this page. You can push dollars you’ve earned their way and do EVEN MORE good with the miles you shared.
Click the PayPal logo to distribute your cash. All funds available will be distributed as directed and transactions are processed once a day.
Please take care as you enter and confirm an email address that you want Hytch to distribute funds to. If you make a mistake, consider the money gone. Check your inbox for an email from PayPal that will walk you through a few quick steps to transfer funds to your bank account!