|
The
new application, called RideWith, will use Waze's navigation
system to learn the routes drivers most frequently take to work
and match them up with people looking for a ride in the same
direction.
Google bought Israel-based Waze, which uses satellite signals
from members' smartphones to offer real-time traffic
information, for about $1 billion two years ago.
"We're conducting a small, private beta test in the greater Tel
Aviv area for a carpool concept, but we have nothing further to
announce at this time," Waze told Reuters of its foray into the
increasingly competitive field of ride-sharing.
Drivers will be limited to just two journeys a day and will not
be able to earn a salary from RideWith, a source close to the
company said, differentiating it from businesses such as Uber [UBER.UL],
where drivers can turn a profit.
Should RideWith be rolled out globally, this limitation could
help it avoid the backlash Uber is facing in a number of
countries that want to protect professional taxi drivers.
Waze does not expect there to be enough drivers to meet demand
at first, but as more sign on, passengers will be able to order
a ride either to or from work while chipping in a bit for the
cost of gas and wear and tear on the car, the source said.
(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Tova Cohen and Mark
Potter)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
