A college-backed initiative advancing professionalism in the rideshare industry.
RideShare Academy exists to address the critical gap between platform onboarding and true professional competency in the rideshare industry. While millions of drivers operate as independent contractors, the vast majority receive no formal training in business fundamentals, tax planning, risk management, or strategic operations.
Through college-backed curriculum and institutional standards, we provide professional training that empowers drivers with the knowledge, frameworks, and credentials necessary to operate strategically, sustainably, and profitably. Our commitment is to education, professionalism, and long-term career development rather than short-term optimization tactics.
Founder & Lead Instructor
Jim Lantos brings 12 years of direct rideshare experience to The Rideshare Academy, having completed over 10,000 rides across multiple platforms (Greater Boston 8 years, Maine 3 years). He has talked to thousands of riders, driven through hundreds of cities and towns (over 300,000 miles in total). The number of stories he has to share about his experience are endless! This operational experience provides the foundation for curriculum rooted in real-world application and measurable results.
What's possible: During his years driving, Jim has consistently earned $500–$1,000 per week in Maine and $1,000–$2,000 per week in the Boston area—working strategically, not just logging hours. He's seen other experienced drivers achieve similar results when they understand the business fundamentals: tax strategy, market timing, platform optimization, and smart decision-making. While no course can guarantee specific earnings—your results depend on your market, hours, and effort—Jim's goal is to show you exactly how these numbers are achievable so you can decide for yourself.
His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Bentley University, bringing formal business education and analytical frameworks to professional driver training.
Through institutional partnership with Southern Maine Community College, Jim has developed the first college-backed program curriculum for rideshare drivers, combining academic rigor with practical operational knowledge.
View ProgramBBA — University of Michigan
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics — Bentley University
56+ post-graduate credit hours
12 years rideshare driving
10,000+ rides completed
Greater Boston (8 yrs) + Maine (3 yrs)
300,000+ miles driven
America's first college-backed rideshare certification
SMCC Academic Partner
Featured: NPR, Boston Globe
Individuals beginning their rideshare careers who need comprehensive professional training from the start.
Active drivers seeking to optimize operations, reduce costs, and implement advanced strategic frameworks.
Generate income while seeking employment.
Earn while you transition to a new field or opportunity.
Flexible income opportunity with low barriers to entry.
Supplement retirement income on your own schedule.
Establish income quickly in a new location.
Earn a side income while pursuing your studies.
This Program has been developed in partnership with Southern Maine Community College, bringing institutional credibility and academic standards to professional rideshare driver education.
SMCC students and alumni receive institutional pricing as part of our commitment to accessible workforce development and professional training programs.
