Following successful tests in Israel and the San Francisco Bay Area , Waze is planning an expansion of its carpooling service to several US cities and Latin America.
Waze Rider has some major differences a from Uber and Lyft, but is cheaper as a result. It is not a Taxi replacement but a ride share system. Think of it more like carpooling. Transport isn’t guaranteed and needs to be requested hours in advance.
The current payment model has users paying $0.54 per mile to reimburse drivers for gas and other costs. At the moment, Waze does not take a cut of the pie. When they do start taking a cut, 15% fee may be charged to riders .
The WSJ citing how a ride from downtown Oakland to downtown San Francisco only costs $4.50 using Waze Rider, compared to $10.57 on Uber’s cheapest option and $12.40 for Lyft’s.
One person interviewed by the WSJ added how they are more likely to give rides compared to Uber or Lyft:
“I wouldn’t drive for Uber or Lyft. I have a regular job. I do this to make the commute easier for myself and the person I pick up.”
São Paulo is cited as one of the cities where Rider could come to in the immediate future, but ultimately Waze hopes to expand globally.
