July 13, 2026
Fare fight: app vs app
Show HN: Hackney – Compare Uber, Lyft, Waymo, and Robotaxi Prices
This app promises cheaper rides, but commenters are already asking if it’ll get them banned
TLDR: Hackney is a new app that compares ride prices from services like Uber, Lyft, and robotaxis so users can hunt for the cheapest trip fast. Commenters loved the idea but immediately worried about Apple rules, possible account bans, and whether the app will expand beyond its current lineup.
Hackney’s pitch is deliciously simple: type in where you want to go, and it compares prices across big ride apps like Uber, Lyft, Waymo, and other robotaxi options before sending you off to book. In plain English, it’s trying to be the price-check wingman for your next trip. But over on Hacker News, the real action wasn’t just “nice app!” It was a chorus of questions, side-eyes, and dream feature requests.
Some commenters were immediately sold, calling it a “great project” and a “really cool” idea, then instantly turning into demanding fans: Where’s the web version? Is it only for the US? Can it add Zoox too? That’s classic internet love language — praise first, then a wishlist. The bigger drama came from the people worrying this clever shortcut might be a little too clever. One commenter flat-out asked how it survived Apple’s app review process, since Apple has a reputation for being strict about apps that lean on unofficial back-door connections. Another admitted they were scared to even try it in case Uber might lock their account. Yikes.
Then came the futuristic hot take: forget all this app-hopping, one person said this is exactly what phone-based AI assistants should handle for us anyway — open the apps, grab the prices, and summarize the mess. So the mood was part admiration, part suspicion, part “wow this is useful,” and part please don’t let this end with my account in ride-share jail.
Key Points
- •Hackney allows users to enter a destination or select a saved location.
- •The app is presented as a way to compare prices across ride-hailing providers including Uber, Lyft, Waymo, and robotaxi services.
- •Users complete booking in the ride-hailing provider’s own app.
- •The article claims the app helps users save money on rides.
- •Hackney connects directly to ride-hailing companies’ servers.