Google trials Uber-like service in Israel

Uber is not the only one trying to change the way we can commute, Google is also trying to get in on the action as well. In Tel Aviv, Google is set to trial a service called RideWith that is meant to help commuters during heavy traffic hours.

Essentially, the RideWith app will use Waze data to help commuters organize pickups and drop offs to locations they were already heading anyways, like work or a scheduled grocery trip. It is not meant to be a taxi service, but more so a carpooling service. Riders are limited to two rides per day, and can only join rides that originate from their neighborhoods, or for when they need to take a return trip, the area they are in. Think of it functioning similarly to a bus route.

Payment for each ride can be made from via credit card linked from the app. The key difference between Uber and this service will be how the payment will be used. With Uber, it’s a service fee with profit covering the drivers needs and Uber’s cut of the transaction. RideWith uses the money to cover wear and tear and gas. Google is set to get a cut of the RideWith fee, but there isn’t any information on the percentage just yet.

For now, the trial is limited to Tel Aviv, which makes sense, if you want to rival a big giant, even though Google is a giant itself, you have to fine tune your direction early on. This is all good news for consumers, more diversity and competition is always welcome.

Source: WSJ

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