Google to Launch Rideshare in Bay Area

The service would operate through Waze, and take a different approach than Uber or Lyft.

1 minute read

September 7, 2016, 8:00 AM PDT

Since May, Google has been running a closed pilot in San Francisco for a rideshare service. It would take the form of a new feature in traffic app Waze, which Google purchased in 2013.

The program is oriented toward carpooling rather than chauffeuring.

This new service would be different from Uber and Lyft in that it would only try to connect people who are already going in the same direction, offering rates low enough to discourage drivers from operating like taxis.

Also, drivers would not be employed or even vetted by Google. As Ars Technia writes:

Those two issues—employment status and vetting of the drivers—have proved problematic for Uber and will likely cause legal and regulatory problems for Waze and Google as well.

FULL STORY: Google to undercut Uber in San Francisco with new ride-sharing service

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 in Ars Technica

Technology Transportation United States California Google Waze Uber Lyft Rideshare Ride Hailing Bay Area Tech Firms San Francisco View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.