Hitching a ride
September 6, 2009
A new technological device would give drivers the option of offering a ride by punching into their cell phones the start and end point of their journey, according to developers. A server would then track the vehicle's location while scanning for ride requests. If a match is made, the driver has the option of picking-up the "hitch-hiker", and negotiating a fare to cover fuel costs.
There are already several online portals in Germany that help travelers arrange rides in advance for longer distances, but the latest cell phone technology would allow for impromptu ride-shares.
"The system opens up a new market because there is no provision at present for the typical spontaneous and shorter trips that take place in local everyday traffic," said Dr. Matthias Fluegge, director of the "OpenRide" project at the Berlin-based Fraunhofer Fokus research institute.
In order to improve safety, developers also want to come up with a way for passengers to rate their drivers.
Developers of "OpenRide" say their new technology could help cut-down on city traffic as well as help people save money on fuel. It is also being introduced at a time of increasing concern over environmental degradation.
"We are using device-independent technologies in order to make the service available to as many users as possible," said technical director of OpenRide, Anna Kress.
The new cell phone device is expected to be available on the market as early as 2010.
vj/reuters
Editor: Nick Amies