Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft continue to be all the rage, and now Google is getting into the game.
Google’s new ride service aims to help San Francisco commuters join carpools. The pilot program began around Google’s California headquarters in May. It arranges rides through the Waze app, which connects fellow commuters. The program will likely expand to be accessible to all Waze users in the San Francisco area this fall.
Google acquired Waze in 2013. The app offers real-time driving directions based on crowd-sourced information.
Waze doesn’t offer rides by paid drivers like Uber and Lyft, instead simply connecting commuters who are headed in the same direction. The company said it wants its fares to be low enough to discourage drivers from operating as taxi drivers. The pilot program charges riders a maximum of 54 cents a mile, and Google isn’t currently taking a cut. Essentially, Google says, the fees are reimbursements for gas.
The development could put Google at odds with Uber, a company it once invested in. In 2013, Google invested $258 billion in Uber. Uber has long used Google’s mapping software but recently began developing its own.
Read This Next
Carpool Made Easy with Bla Bla Car
Products / Technology
Oct 16, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedSurveys
Apr 28, 2025Study Reports Americans Increased Spending on 2025 Spring Break
Spring break may already be in your rearview mirror, and you might be looking forward to your summer vacay — but did you save enough cash after your springtime travel? A new study from Allianz Partners found Americans spent quite a bit more on their spring break trips this year than they did in 2024. The average spring break trip was $5,325 in 2025, more than a 10 percent increase from 2024.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Destinations / North America
Apr 28, 2025Your Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide to Hollywood and Griffith Park
With so many iconic locations to see, a trip to Los Angeles, California, may feel overwhelming. Refine your itinerary with this neighborhood guide to Hollywood and Griffith Park.
Technology
Apr 28, 2025App Helping Women Meet Like-Minded Women Moving to New Cities Launches
Already making a name for itself in Europe, Les Amis, a popular app designed to help women meet other like-minded women when they move to new cities, officially makes its debut in the United States. Many young women struggle to find friends and acquaintances when moving to a new city; after all, large cities can be lonely. Les Amis is one solution for many women.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
Apr 25, 2025Experience Local Art at Andaz Hotels This Summer
Andaz properties around the world embrace local art with on-site galleries and partnerships.
ShareThis