Google takes aim at Uber with Waze Rider 'carpool' app that lets commuters give each other rides

Pilot project was run in Tel Aviv to test concept
App is now available across Israel for Android devices
System learns driver's daily commutes and finds others who need a ride
Drivers can only take part on their commute

Published: 15:38 EST, 30 September 2016 | Updated: 08:37 EST, 1 October 2016

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Google has launched a new 'carpool' app that will let commuters give others going the same way a lift in its bit to take on Uber.

The app 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.

It has previously been tested with firms around Google's office, but is now available across the Bay Area, according to the Wall Street Journal.

WazeRider finds you the most convenient, affordable ride to work from fellow commuters already driving with Waze

Commuters will pay fellow drivers a small fee for a ride to and from work.

Google is limiting drivers and riders to two rides a day—intended to be to and from work—and made it cheap, restricting drivers from making a living on the app.

Waze’s current pilot charges riders at most 54 cents a mile, far less than most Uber and Lyft rides - and, for now, Google doesn’t take a cut, the WSJ says.

It was first tested last year in Tel Aviv - but is now available across Israel.

Google bought Israel-based Waze, which uses satellitesignals from members' smartphones to offer real-time trafficinformation, for about $1 billion two years ago.

'WazeRider finds you the most convenient, affordable ride to work from fellow commuters already driving with Waze, the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app,' the app page says.

'Ask for a ride, and we’ll connect you to a fellow commuter on your route who’s willing to help.

The firm says the payments will be small, to 'help cover the cost of driving.'

'WazeRider will then suggest a nominal payment to help with the cost of gas & wear and tear.'

The firm says the payments will be small, to 'help cover the cost of driving.'

Drivers will be limited to just two journeys a day and willnot be able to earn a salary from RideWith, a source close tothe company said, differentiating it from businesses such asUber, where drivers can turn a profit.

The move will put Google in a head on battle with Uber

Should RideWith be rolled out globally, this limitationcould help it avoid the backlash Uber is facing in a number ofcountries that want to protect professional taxi drivers.

Waze does not expect there to be enough drivers to meetdemand at first, but as more sign on, passengers will be able toorder a ride either to or from work while chipping in a bit forthe cost of gas and wear and tear on the car, the source said.

The new application, called RideWith, uses 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.