Become a Wazer with Google’s alternative to Uber

Google is expanding its popular live-traffic navigation system, Waze, to allow its users to find cheap, convenient and safe public transport – much like Uber.

Based on the same crowdsurfing service that promises users the most accurate traffic feed, Waze Rider connects you with a willing Waze user (Wazer) who is heading on a similar route. You type in the destination and Waze scans its vast database for the closest match.

Like Uber the cost of the trip is calculated on the distance but at this point Google isn’t looking to profit from the service, meaning more cash in pocket and greater incentive to become a Wazer. To ensure some level of safety and vetting system, each Wazer’s details and overall score is made public. The drivers’ score is based on the number of ‘thanks’ received.

Google does have a potential gamechanger hiding up its sleeve; leveraging their autonomous car project it doesn’t take much to connect the dots to a world where Wazer is a driver-less service. This technology could then be adopted by Uber and Lyft.

Waze Rider isn’t in South Africa yet but with the number of existing Waze users, it should get off the ground quickly.