Last week, I was sad to read in my local paper that an airport shuttle service was closing down after 35 years in the business.  In the Asbury Park Press, you can read the story entitled “Olympic Airporter succumbs to sour economy”.

They will stop operating this Friday (June 19, 2009).  It is a real shame to learn that this inexpensive alternative to taxis or parking at the airport will no longer be available.  Look at some of the many benefits of their service:

• Convenience
• Save gasoline
• Reduce traffic
• Provide good employment
• Help local economy

They currently run 19 trips per day utilizing a fleet of 90 vehicles to service about 16,500 passengers a month.  That is over 500 people a day or almost 200,000 a year.

Now what are their clients options?  They can try other limo companies, but will probably pay more.  They can drive themselves, adding to traffic and paying almost $20 a day to park at the airport.  Or they could share rides.  If all the people that utilized this service got together on a ride sharing web site, they could help each other.  At least something good could come out of this bad situation.

Finally, my heart goes out to the 128 full and part-time employees at Olympic Airporter.  I wish them the best in finding new employment with these difficult economic conditions.

photo credit: Joi

On Monday night, I saw a story on my local Fox news explaining a proposal by Mayor Bloomberg for Shared Cab Rides Coming to NYC.  This would allow riders to share cabs so they each pay less while the cabbie actually earns more.  So instead of just providing one ride for $25, the driver could charge 2 riders $20 each or maybe 3 riders would pay $15 each.  And don’t forget the tips.

By permitting cab drivers to pick up additional fares, they could attract new riders who might not choose a cab if they had to pay the full fare themselves.  The Mayor said that a shared-ride system is a win-win for the city.

Think of all the people landing at NYC area airports who need rides to the city.  Grouping riders not only makes financial sense, but would also reduce traffic, cut gasoline consumption and help the environment.  Is there anything not to like?

The only problem is many people do not like to share, they prefer their privacy.  I can understand this, but wouldn’t all of these benefits offset the slight inconvenience of losing some personal space?  Most cab rides are relatively short, so it should not be that hard to tolerate another passenger.  If you do not want to talk, plug in your iPod and listen to some of your favorite music to pass the time.

So maybe next time you hail a cab, you will have some company for the ride.  Think about it, wouldn’t sharing a ride make the trip in a cab fair?

photo credit: timpearce4816

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

Taxis - they will pick-up or chose not to pick-up any passenger

Limos – you accept a ride with a complete stranger at a very high cost

Why do we trust a taxi or limo driver that we do not know?

• Registered driver
• It’s his job

photo credit: aturkus

If most people are comfortable getting a ride in a taxi with a strange driver, then why not accept a ride with another person?  If every driver was registered and rated, there would be a lot less uncertainty.

Does the idea of accepting a ride from a stranger scare you?  If no, then Pay4Rides is for you.

If yes, then how do you feel about taxis?  Isn’t this the same thing?  Or does the fact that the driver has a cab license ease you concerns?  Then to make Pay4Rides a more acceptable way of ride sharing, we need to license both drivers and rides.  Peer ratings would help eliminate much of the uncertainty when dealing with “strangers”.
photo credit: dionhinchcliffe