Google Takes on Uber With New Ride-Share Service Alphabet’s carpooling program in San Francisco offers rides at cheaper rates http://www.wsj.com/articles/google-takes-on-uber-with-new-ride-share-service-1472584235 By Jack Nicas Updated Aug. 31, 2016 10:05 a.m. ET 67 COMMENTS Google is moving onto Uber Technologies Inc.’s turf with a ride-sharing service to help San Francisco commuters join carpools, a person familiar with the matter said, jumping into a booming but fiercely competitive market. Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., began a pilot program around its California headquarters in May that enables several thousand area workers at specific firms to use the Waze app to connect with fellow commuters. It plans to open the program to all San Francisco-area Waze users this fall, the person said. Waze, which Google acquired in 2013, offers real-time driving directions based on information from other drivers. Unlike Uber and its crosstown San Francisco rival Lyft Inc., which each largely operate as on-demand taxi businesses, Waze wants to connect riders with drivers who are already headed in the same direction. The company has said it aims to make fares low enough to discourage drivers from operating as taxi drivers. Waze’s current pilot program charges riders at most 54 cents a mile—less than most Uber and Lyft rides—and, for now, Google doesn’t take a fee.
I feel bad for the taxi industry, but when technology arrives that can do something with improved efficiency, this is what happens!
Technology + Deep pockets. It's the Amazon model: undercut competitor pricing until they go bankrupt. Scare anyone else from trying to enter the sphere.
Uber is supposed to have a $60B valuation. I wonder how badly they are freaking out here? If there is one name that does not need brand recognition, its Google. I guess Google Drive is already take though.
Have a friend who is a taxi driver. He told me that it is hard to make money now and he has to work part time as a waiter also for living. It is just one sample though
Not sure, I am not really familiar with the laws and regulations regarding to the taxi driver, maybe I ask my friend next time
Is this our Uber thread? https://ftalphaville.ft.com/2016/12/01/2180647/the-taxi-unicorns-new-clothes/ In other, older news (more than a year old but I wanted to post this here for posterity) http://maximumridesharingprofits.com/the-cancellation-strategy-that-earns-you-more-than-driving/ Basically if you're an Uber rider it seems you have the onus of catching the scheming driver while (s)he's there.
Uber's Loss Exceeds $800 Million in Third Quarter on $1.7 Billion in Net Revenue https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...n-third-quarter-on-1-7-billion-in-net-revenue
