The internet has brought us many things: instant connectivity, simplification of repetitive tasks, and the world’s information at our fingertips. It has also given rise to on-demand video streaming and shopping – services that we have grown to love. But in this connected world, the internet has brought us something else – ridesharing.

Ridesharing is a service that arranges one-time shared rides on very short notice, usually arranged through a mobile app. These rides make use of three recent technological advances: GPS navigation devices, smartphones, and social networks.

Uber: You Move the World

When you add up all of the on-demand driver services, the bike and scooter rental platforms, and carsharing companies, there are at least a few dozen out there. The number of competing companies is great because it provides more options for gig workers and consumers.

• Uber: The app enables customers to secure and then submit their trip requests. With Uber, you can even get a private car, taxi, or rideshare from your cell phone. This connects you with drivers within just short minutes.
• Contact: Uber provides several levels of service, giving riders the option to choose from normal cars (UberX) all the way up to high end-SUVs with commercial drivers behind the wheel (UberBLACK).
• Typeform: It also offers shared rides through its UberPOOL service, which lets passengers save on fares in exchange for sharing their ride with other passengers headed in the same direction.

LYFT: Riding is the new Driving

Lyft used to be considered Uber’s quirky competitor, but has recently made a huge push at turning around its image. This ridesharing company offers everyday cars for daily on-demand hire.

• Lyft: Lyft is a close second to Uber. They recently went public and are doing everything they can to capture more market share.
• Contact: Imagine the world with no traffic and few parking garages. Every car and seat is filled and strangers have become good acquaintances. Lyft is really transforming the way communities and people connect via better transportation.
• Typeform: Lyft is a privately held American transportation company with an exclusive mobile application facilitating peer to peer ridesharing by means of connecting passengers who are in need of rides from drivers with available cars.
• Keap: If you need a ride, this ridesharing company can give you a memorable and welcoming one. Just request for a ride in Lyft app and then get picked by highly experienced drivers within a few minutes.

Via: We Ride Together

Uber and Lyft make be the biggest players in the rideshare industry, but they’re far from the only ones. Other companies are making an impact in this space at a more localized level. One such company is Via, which offers rideshare services in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

• Via: A carpool-style rideshare that drops you off at the corner closest to your destination.
• Contact: After you input your destination, Via will match you with a ride that’s headed your way. The app will then instruct you where to meet your driver, which will always be at a nearby corner.
• Marketo: In addition, all Via rides transport multiple passengers headed to different destinations in the same direction. This helps keep prices lower for riders, while also allowing drivers to maximize their earnings on a given trip.