A chauffeur is defined as an individual who operates an automobile for a profession.  They are typically associated with a high priced limousine service.  While researching this topic, I came across a web site offering professional chauffeurs for hire that will drive your car.  They have been around for 20 years and on the WeDriveU Services Page, they list many good reasons to use their service.  They offer the service for about $35 an hour with a 3 hour minimum and say you can save 30 – 40% under the price of a typical limousine service.

I have never heard of this service before, so I did some more digging and found this article in the NY Times.  In the Times story they discuss the many benefits for a busy executive including working while someone else drives.  Additionally, the article talks about the convenience of going to multiple meetings, while not having to worry about directions, parking or gas.

In a Newsweek story, they write about a partnership with Avis Rent A Car to offer you both a driver and the car.  The driver will pick up the car and then be waiting for you at an airport or any other location.  They again list the savings as compared to a car-for-hire service, but it still seems like a lot of money to me.

For a fraction of the cost, Pay4Rides could provide a similar service with all of these additional benefits.  We already have millions drivers with their own cars.  We just need a way to coordinate trips and utilize all this vacant capacity.

photo credit: specialkrb