Tucson residents now have a new rideshare option focused on safety and comfort: Alegna, a women-only service that officially launched Friday.
The launch comes as larger rideshare companies like Uber experiment with gender-matching features in some states, though Arizona has yet to see that option. This gap has created space for locally driven solutions — and Alegna is stepping in.
A Founder’s Personal Motivation
Alegna was founded by Megan Hjelle, who decided to take action after her own unsettling experiences as a rideshare passenger.
“I used other ride share services. I had a very, very traumatizing experience,” Hjelle recalled.
Even after giving ridesharing another chance years later, the discomfort returned.
“Still a little creepy. Just a man asking me questions he shouldn’t have,” she said. “I came home, I have a little girl, she’s gonna be in this world soon. So I came home and I’m like, we gotta make a change.“
That moment sparked the creation of Alegna, Arizona’s first women-only rideshare company.
How Alegna Works
Unlike the big-name apps, Alegna operates on a personal, community-based model. There’s no on-demand app; instead, reservations are made by phone, text, or email.
“We’re doing airport transfers, doctors’ appointments, concerts, we do bar pickups as well, but we’re not on demand,” Hjelle explained.
She says this system allows her to personally connect with riders, which helps build trust. “We are all old school, we do phone calls, emails, text messages, we try to interact with the client because it does ease some of the tension,” Hjelle said.
Half of Alegna’s business comes through referrals, with many requests from students and concerned parents. Some passengers, she noted, are older women who no longer drive after losing a partner.
Prioritizing Passenger and Driver Safety
Hjelle’s background in IT security shapes the way Alegna operates. Drivers undergo full background checks, and anyone with a criminal record is not eligible for hire — a stricter policy than most major rideshare platforms.
“We vet our passengers, too, so it’s not just like I’m taking anybody. If I get a weird vibe from it, I won’t accept it, and that’s one reason I do everything over the phone because sex trafficking is a big deal,” she said.
Community Need and Concerns
The idea of women-only transportation has drawn both support and criticism, with some arguing it could amount to discrimination. But Hjelle believes the peace of mind is worth it.
“There is a feeling of security just knowing it’s another woman, and even if you haven’t had a bad experience, it takes a layer of concern out of everything – and I get emails and texts all the time saying, thank you so much, you have no idea how much stress this has taken off of me,” she said.
Larger Rideshare Industry Context
The timing of Alegna’s launch comes as Uber continues to face lawsuits tied to sexual assault and harassment cases. Courts are now weighing whether gender-matching could have prevented some of those incidents.
Uber has rolled out additional safety tools, such as ride audio recording, location sharing, PIN verification, and off-route alerts — but those updates don’t yet address the demand for women-driven rides in Arizona.
How to Book
For now, those interested in Alegna must book directly through phone or email: 480-878-9501 or [email protected].
With its women-focused approach, Alegna aims to offer Tucson passengers an alternative that blends security, personal connection, and community-driven ridesharing.
Source: KOLD News
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