April 24, 2017

Meet Lauren Barrash of The Wave

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Barrash.

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I live in Rice Military and have for almost 12 years. In 2009 the area was booming but there was not an easy way to get around other than our own personal vehicles. I thought, “There should be a shuttle”. Then after having friends from my MBA program at Rice over to my house, we walked to the bars on Washington, and on the way home, I broke a stiletto in the sidewalk. That was it. And The Wave, jitney, started. At the time we were the first of our kind in 15 years and to date we are the longest ever running jitney in Houston. We just keep growing based on our customer needs and the city’s. We now focus on tours and events in Houston.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think owning any business or business owner can say it has been a totally smooth road. Permitting was a challenging learning process for not just me, but the city. The biggest challenge has been Uber’s arrival. They were not held accountable for the requirements as we were. They were allowed to operate in our city without the safety & permitting measures we were held to for a very long time. The city has turned a blind eye to their countless tickets and permit violations. The Wave has NEVER had a ticket or violation in the almost 8 years we have been in business. Uber and its drivers have had over 10,000. If the Wave had anywhere near that, our permit would have been pulled, and rightfully so. But as a small business owner, who still does not take a salary, you cannot compete with a multi-billion dollar company and your voice does not get heard because of your limitations.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Want to see Houston like a local? Catch The Wave, Houston’s jitney shuttle service. If you’re wondering what a jitney is, it is a “fixed rate, fixed route, circulator with seating for more than 9 and less than 15 passengers”. We are a hybrid between a taxi, a limo, and a public bus. A taxi because we can pick you up at your door if along our routes and you can call to get a pick-up. A limo because our vehicles have upgraded stereo, televisions, lights, high grade seating, and other luxuries. A public bus because anyone can get on board for a fee. We are a social transportation company, bringing the people to the community and the community to the people.

We also offer private rental service, event coordinating, and transportation logistics services as requested. Our team of drivers, dispatchers, and event planners know what is going on in this great city and can help you plan your visit. We have lists of businesses, must see spots, restaurants, game calendars, shows, museums, festivals, etc. on board to assure you know how to experience a little of everything. We have a plethora of tours we lead on a monthly basis you have to check out.

Each year, The Wave provides transportation to thousands of Houstonians and her visitors; shuttling for large city-wide events, nights out in Inner Loop Houston and private events such as birthday parties, company dinners, progressive dinners, nights at the theater, a day at the museums, and much more. The Wave is the financially, environmentally, and socially responsible way to get around Houston.

We enjoy being part of your success stories no matter how small or large the event or party. Call The Wave today to book your transportation while visiting Houston 713.863. WAVE (9283). You can also add our social media networks to get updates about happenings in this awesome city.

What were you like growing up?
Oh gosh. I was out-going, always wanting to be older than my age. I have 2 older sisters & I wanted to hang with the big kids. I was “bad” per my parents, but honestly only in comparison to my perfect sisters. I was athletic, involved in my community, always had a job of some kind, very close to my family, and still am close to my childhood friends. I went to quite a few schools both b/c my family moved and b/c I was not challenged where I was in school so I would misbehave. Teachers always loved me though. I was never rude, just talked a lot and could not sit still very well.

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