As the publication reports, Google initially launched an experimental project that was accessible only to its employees working near the California headquarters. The essence of the project is finding fellow travelers through the Waze app.
According to a source for the newspaper, this fall the company plans to present this program to Waze users in San Francisco (California). If the service proves to be in demand, its operation will be expanded.
WSJ emphasizes that the key difference between Waze and services like Uber and Lyft is that Waze helps drivers find only those passengers who are going their way. Moreover, the rates here are expected to be low. The main task is to reduce the likelihood that drivers will start using the service for permanent earnings as taxi drivers.
In San Francisco, anyone from among local residents will be able to register as a driver. At the same time, the circle of passengers will be limited to 25 thousand people — this implies employees of a number of companies, including Google, Wal-Mart, and Adobe. Through Waze, it will be possible to make no more than two trips, most likely — to work and back.
The Israeli service Waze, which allows real-time monitoring of traffic conditions and building the most efficient routes, was acquired by Google in 2013. Currently, the service is used by 65 million active users.
