The famous navigation app Waze added a new form of service to its system. Three years after Google acquired the location guide application, another road solution is being introduced.
The launching of Waze Rider addresses a concern most commuters have to bear, the burgeoning travel fare. While the app is quite similar to Uber and Lyft, the ride-sharing app has been designed for casual sharing among passengers. It does not involve a ride-hailing service.
In a capsule, Waze Rider is for people who share a common destination. It is actually a carpooling approach.
Individuals who will be using the app will be cutting their expenses on fare by taking in a few more passengers. Considering that the service is cheaper, Google may have the edge against its pioneer rivals.
Add to that the concerns about restrictions which the tech firm will dodge, at least, during its debut period. Both Lyft and Uber require their clients to divulge information about their backgrounds, insurances and car data.
Parties who are interested to join the program will just submit their home and work addresses as well as their general working schedule. The app will pair listed commuters based on location proximity including a perceived agreement to split the travel expenses.
Waze Rider is ready for downloading at the US Play Store. Currently, drivers in the program will be limited to a couple of rides a day. The idea is to prevent any regulatory violation from happening. The service imposes a non-stop ride and no detours.
In line with the unveiling of the Waze Rider app, the simmering tussle between Google and Uber comes into the limelight. In 2013, the tech giant has invested $250 million to the car-hailing service company through Google Ventures (GV). Due to conflicting interests in investments affiliated with mapping, autonomous vehicles and, now, ride-hailing, the escalation between the two companies continue to escalate.
