Google to take on Uber and Lyft, using Waze to offer ride-sharing

Google's seemingly relentless expansion into just about every field of business looks set to continue as the company prepares to enter the ride-sharing arena. The likes of Lyft and Uber have already proved that there is a strong demand for such car-pooling services.

Following on from a pilot program in San Francisco, Google is set to make use of its Waze app to put commuters in touch with each other. Come the end of 2016, the program will be opened up to anyone in the Bay Area, with the possibility of a wider expansion later.

During the testing period, Waze was used to put passengers and drivers in touch with each other, and allowed for lifts to be arranged without a booking fee. Unlike Lyft and Uber, Google's scheme allows people to use their own cars for ride-sharing in a way that mimics existing online car-pooling services. Rather than offering an on-demand taxi service, the aim is to connect people who are already heading in the same direction.

As well as helping out travelers, the scheme is something that does a lot for Google's green credentials. Cramming more people in to fewer vehicles not only helps to reduce travel costs for those involved, but also helps to reduce the environmental impact of cars.

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