By Matthew Holloway |

A new ridesharing alternative to Uber and Lyft has emerged in several cities with Phoenix and Scottsdale on the cusp of joining the roster. Blackwolf, a new rideshare application based out of Atlanta has entered the arena to address a need not merely for ridesharing, but for a sense of security for its passengers. Presently available in Atlanta, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale, the service boasts of drivers who are armed and CPR-trained former Law Enforcement, military, or professional security personnel. Founder Kerry KingBrown explains that creating the app came to him after “a friend who told him how she was sex trafficked,” according to the app’s website.

KingBrown, 32, is a former private investigator who worked for Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) as reported by The New York Post. Speaking with Atlanta First News the proprietor made his case for a new kind of ridesharing experience:

“Who are mostly on the news getting robbed, getting raped? The average person,” he told reporters. “What I’m creating is a necessary evil. It’s a necessity.” Speaking to NewsNation in May he said “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.” KingBrown added, “That driver has to be vetted. That driver has to have a background. That driver has to have a proper vehicle. Normally when people want to feel safe, the price is really out of their budget.”

On the app’s Facebook page the company lays out that every vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking as well as live-streaming cameras allowing riders to share a live feed with loved ones during their trip. Both unarmed and armed drivers are available as an “Armed Executive Protection Driver” or an “Unarmed Executive Protection Driver” in the application itself. The Post reported that at present the base rate for an unarmed driver is $50 with $1.75 per mile in addition. For an armed driver, the difference is just ten dollars, bringing it to $60 with $1.75 per mile charge.

Brass tacks: here’s a comparison from Surprise, Arizona:

• Uber Premium Black to Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4 is priced at $147.31 as of this writing, upgrading to an SUV runs it up to $181.32.
• Lyft Black for the same trip is priced at $125.82, with the upgrade to Black SUV at $160.12.
• Following the BlackWolf formula for estimating reported by The Post, an unarmed ride would set you back $107.75 before taxes, meanwhile an armed ride would run just $117.75.

In BlackWolf’s executive summary the company states it has plans to expand its operations to Chicago and Nashville. The Post reported upcoming expansion into New York as well. The firm also painted a significant difference in the caliber of driver customers can expect. “The demand for BlackWolf underscores a growing concern for safety in traditional ride-hail services. Unlike major competitors who pretty much hire anybody who applies, BlackWolf prioritizes screening and quality, striving to ensure riders never have to worry about inappropriate driver behavior, inconsistent ride quality, or feeling unsafe,” the company said.

BlackWolf armed drivers: “Must have a minimum of 4+ years in the military, law enforcement, or security sector, must be CPR certified, and must have security credentials.” The site added, “Our pricing is very competitive with Uber Black, and it can sometimes be lower depending on the distance and time! We are for everyday Americans who want to feel safe without burning a hole in their pocketbook.” The site does clarify that as Axios reports their drivers do not provide security services at destination but only ensure safe transport noting, “customers in need of personal bodyguard security can request a licensed security driver via email. We collaborate with security companies across the country for such rides, which can then be conveniently arranged within the app as a private contract.” Recent reports from Axios and AZCentral have pointed to some hiccups in the initial June 5th launch with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) that resulted in service in Arizona being paused, but KingBrown told Axios he is working on the issue with the hopes it will “be resolved quickly.”

“It’s a tough journey but we are here to stay and operate correctly and legally!” he told Axios in an email.

According to the outlet, ADOT spokesman Steve Elliott said that BlackWolf had submitted its application to the agency but it was incomplete. He added that the ADOT will verify that Blackwolf is ” in compliance with relevant statutes and rules” and that the application will be reviewed once it is resubmitted “with all required information.” The Department later confirmed to the Arizona Republic that the application is completed and “currently under review.”

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.