About us
At Bandit, we are redefining transportation by making it more than just a way to get from point A to point B—we’re creating a safe, reliable, and enjoyable experience that enhances every night out and special event. Inspired by the need for safer, more responsible ways to get around, we are committed to reducing drunk driving and promoting smarter choices in our community.
San Luis Obispo is a lively, social city, but traditional transportation options often fail to meet the needs of students and young adults. Rideshare prices surge at peak hours, wait times are unpredictable, and public transportation isn’t always a practical solution for late nights or special events. We believe there is a clear demand for a fresh alternative—one that prioritizes safety, affordability, and reliability without sacrificing the excitement of the night. Bandit was built to fill this gap, offering a fun, seamless, and stress-free way for people to move through the city.
But Bandit is more than just a ride service—it’s a movement to change the way people think about getting around. We’re blending convenience with creativity, turning transportation into an integral part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Our vision is to build a service that not only helps people reach their destinations safely but also strengthens the sense of community in San Luis Obispo.
By partnering with local businesses, event organizers, and student groups, we are creating a transportation network that benefits everyone. Whether it’s a ride to a concert, a night out with friends, or a special event, Bandit is here to ensure that getting there—and back—is part of the fun. Together, we’re shaping a future where responsible choices are the easiest ones to make.
- The Bandit team
Poly Proud
Bandit was founded in June 2024 by a group of Cal Poly business students who wanted to make a real difference in the community we call home. We grew up in the dorms, spent our weekends at Avila Beach, went on late-night car trips, hiked the Poly Canyon trails, and fueled our study sessions with Yerba Mates. We’re not some outside company—we’re just normal students who know what it’s like to navigate college life, from house shows and intramural games to late-night food runs and cramming for finals.
Inspired by Cal Poly’s entrepreneurial spirit, we took an idea and made it a reality, partnering with local businesses to provide students with affordable, reliable rides while creating unique advertising opportunities. Rooted in Cal Poly’s learn-by-doing ethos, Bandit is about more than just transportation—it’s about looking out for each other, reducing drunk driving, and making sure everyone gets home safe.
At our core, Bandit is built for students, by students. We’re Poly Proud, and we’re dedicated to making a difference, one ride at a time.
Our team
Meet the faces behind Bandit!
Christian started Bandit as a heartfelt mission to honor the memory of a close middle school friend, transforming a personal loss into a movement to make a difference in the San Luis Obispo community. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into something bigger, thanks to the support of a dedicated team and the belief that small actions can create lasting change.
As a finance major with a background in graphic design and leadership, Chris helps guide Bandit’s growth while constantly learning and adapting along the way. He works alongside the team to oversee daily operations, manage budgets, and build partnerships with local businesses, ensuring the service runs smoothly. Above all, Chris remains focused on the bigger picture—reducing drunk driving and fostering a safer, more connected community through Bandit.
Hannah is a skilled graphic designer and creative strategist with a passion for storytelling through visuals. With experience designing eye-catching content for campus organizations, she brings a fresh perspective to Bandit's branding and outreach.
In her role, Hannah manages Bandit's Instagram presence, crafts promotional materials, and designs tailored visuals for advertising partners. She ensures that every design element aligns with Bandit's identity, creating a recognizable and compelling brand experience. Her attention to detail and innovative approach make Bandit's message both impactful and visually engaging, helping grow its presence and connect with the community. She also collaborates on marketing strategies to expand Bandit's reach and engagement.
Nico brings leadership, negotiation skills, and technical expertise to Bandit. As a former fraternity president and an Industrial Engineering student at Cal Poly SLO, he deeply understands the college market and excels at building relationships. His role focuses on fostering partnerships with campus organizations, driving strategic planning, and leading high-level negotiations to expand Bandit's reach.
In addition to his business acumen, Nico is spearheading the development of Bandit's mobile app, leveraging his analytical mindset and problem-solving skills to create a seamless, user-friendly experience. His ability to bridge technology and strategy ensures Bandit's platform is not only innovative but also tailored to the needs of students and the broader community.
Angie has been an integral part of Bandit from the start, bringing a sharp business mindset and deep expertise in sales, marketing, and partnership development. She excels at connecting brands with the right audience, building meaningful relationships, and crafting advertising solutions that drive impact. With a results-driven approach, she helps businesses maximize their reach while staying true to Bandit's mission and values. Based in San Luis Obispo, she leverages her knowledge of local businesses, student behavior, and market trends to forge long-term partnerships. As the primary contact for advertisers, her strategic insights and approachable demeanor help Bandit grow while advancing its mission to reduce drunk driving through smart, community-focused marketing.
CHRISTIAN ORTEGA
Managing Director
HANNAH TAM
Marketing and Design Manager
NICO DIFERDINANDO
Strategic Partnership and UX lead
ANGIE HO
Director of Business Development