Rideshare technology is the sharing of a ride between two or more people who are going in the same direction. This technology dates back to the 1960s when companies like Hertz and Avis first started offering shared rides. However, the most recent incarnation of rideshare technology has been seen since the early 2000s.
Rideshare technology has revolutionized the transportation industry. It now allows for more efficient and affordable travel for people of all lifestyles. The most notable rideshare platforms today are Uber and Lyft, which have drastically changed the way people move around cities.
Let’s examine the history of rideshare technology and the moments that have shaped its journey.
The early 2000s saw the introduction of services such as Zimride and Carpooling. These services allowed commuters to search for people to share a ride with in their area. This eventually grew into what we know today as ridesharing.
In 2009, Uber was launched as a service that enabled users to request a taxi-like ride with a few clicks. The mobile app allowed customers to see available drivers, see their pricing and see an estimated arrival time of their driver. This technology made booking a ride much easier and faster than ever before.
In 2012, Lyft was launched and quickly grew to become one of the biggest rideshare competitors. Lyft is unique in that it offers customers the ability to tip drivers, rate them, and even pay a premium pricing option.
Since then, rideshare technology has been taken up by many companies around the world. For example, in 2014, Grab launched in Singapore as an alternative to traditional taxi services. In 2017, Didi Chuxing began offering rideshare services in China and later expanded to other countries.
Rideshare companies have drastically changed the way transportation works. Due to their convenience, convenience, and affordability, more and more people are opting for rideshare services over traditional transportation methods. It’s safe to say that the development of rideshare technology has revolutionized the world of transportation and enabled more efficient travel for everyone.
