According to multiple reports, Google’s set to launch an app in Israel, RideWith, that lets drivers collect metered payment from passengers traveling in the same direction.
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Waze, an Israel-based online mapping company owned by Google, will soon launch a pilot programme for carpooling. Reuters reports that it is trialling a ride-sharing service, initially in Waze’s home market, Israel.
Right now at least, it looks as though drivers for the RideWith service will be limited to just two rides per day and will also not be earning a salary from the service. It would be interesting to see if a service like this might appeal to American commuters who don’t now carpool.
Above: A screenshot of Silicon Valley traffic using the Waze app.
It appears that Google may be looking to avoid, at least for now, the debate over the status of ride sharing drivers by blocking their workers from turning it into a significant personal revenue stream. The company will also make the pilot service available to students at Tel Aviv University.
The app will pinpoint popular routes in and around the three Israeli cities of Tel Aviv, Ra’anana ad Herzliya and then match commuters with the drivers for the journey to and from work who travel at the same times.
Waze said it was conducting a private, small beta test in the area of greater Tel Aviv for carpooling, but nothing further will be released about this test yet.
The passenger will pay the driver a nominal fare for the trip, as determined by the distance, and the service is built in such a way that drivers will not be able to transform it into a business, but will only receive compensation for the time and the gas they use to provide transportation for an additional passenger in their vehicle. If it got a number of cars off the roads maybe RideWith can make the trip to work easier for everybody.
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Waze is cautiously optimistic about the startup’s long-term success, but does not expect enough drivers to meet initial demand. It’s essentially a carpooling app that would allow drivers and those in need of a ride to meet up. “It’s good for users, it’s good for Google and Waze, for the environment, and for us as well”, he said.
