New Google Ride Sharing Service Encroaches on Uber's Territory

[engine]

Google is said to be developing a ride sharing service which encroaches into Uber's territory, according to the WSJ.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., began a pilot program around its California headquarters in May that enables several thousand area workers at specific firms to use the Waze app to connect with fellow commuters. It plans to open the program to all San Francisco-area Waze users this fall, the person said. Waze, which Google acquired in 2013, offers real-time driving directions based on information from other drivers. New Google Ride Sharing Service Encroaches on Uber's Territory [wsj.com]

[masterjoe]

I thought Google was a large shareholder in Uber... seems likely enough. I had a friend who thought it might be a good way to earn some cash, until she realized how awful the platform actually is for drivers... they are squeezing every last cent they can get from drivers in order to drive cheap passengers around for pennies on the dollar. Last I heard they increased their "commission" from 20% to 25%, tacked on a BS "safe rider fee" for $1+, put all tax liability on the driver, and pay less than 30 cents per minute and now less than $1 a mile.

A very good service, but the people who are doing the legwork for them are getting shafted big time, which is Poogles name of the game too. I still use it but I tip my drivers well in cash where none of these conglomerates can touch what was rightfully earned.