I'm imagining regular drivers (like me) being txt'd when there is a nearby person who wants a ride.
Like hitchhiking but using GPS and money.
The hitchhiker would specify his destination and how much he is willing to pay. The software would know my location as well as destination (optional) and notify me when I'm near him.
Make everyone into a taxi driver.
For added value you could also give individuals special badges and such that certify their driving credentials, and let the buyers decide how much their driving credentials are worth.
Credentials could be on a graded scale:
- Confirmed driver's license
- Confirmed professional driving certification
Naturally you'd have a reputation system where passengers can rate the quality of the drivers, and drivers could respond to the criticisms.
Decentralized taxi service. The biggest hurdle is reaching critical mass of users, which UberCab has achieved. I want to see them destroy the conventional taxi industry (disruptive technology makes me tingle)
Imagine you get a text from a person who wants a ride. You pick them up, arrange a fee, deliver them to the destination, accept the money, and then get arrested for being an unlicensed cab operator. How many arrests would it take before your services is a dim memory? How long would it take if the law was modified slightly so that the car used in the "criminal enterprise" was impounded as evidence until the case was dealt with by the court?
The risk is entirely upon the driver, who, by the way the service is structured, must risk a large chunk of capital (their car) just to participate.
I'm imagining regular drivers (like me) being txt'd when there is a nearby person who wants a ride.
Like hitchhiking but using GPS and money.
The hitchhiker would specify his destination and how much he is willing to pay. The software would know my location as well as destination (optional) and notify me when I'm near him.
Make everyone into a taxi driver.
For added value you could also give individuals special badges and such that certify their driving credentials, and let the buyers decide how much their driving credentials are worth.
Credentials could be on a graded scale: - Confirmed driver's license - Confirmed professional driving certification
Naturally you'd have a reputation system where passengers can rate the quality of the drivers, and drivers could respond to the criticisms.
Decentralized taxi service. The biggest hurdle is reaching critical mass of users, which UberCab has achieved. I want to see them destroy the conventional taxi industry (disruptive technology makes me tingle)