City-to-City Ridesharing Platform ‘carpooling’ Launches in the U.S., Partners with Uber

The largest European mid- and long-distance ridesharing company, carpooling, announced today its official nationwide launch in the United States. Simultaneously, it announced a partnership with Uber through which the two companies are joining efforts to provide a seamless ridesharing experience between and within cities.

How Cities Feel About the Travel Sharing Economy in 2014

Over the course of 2014, the term “sharing economy” became a household name. Rarely a day passes without Airbnb, Uber, Lyft or another peer-to-peer (P2P) travel startup making the news. As the trend continues to bring both new opportunities and new challenges, cities often find themselves in a love-hate relationship with the new economy. The National League of Cities (NLC) recently released a report capturing U.S. cities’ sentiment toward the travel sharing economy.

More Sharing in Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft Let Riders Split Rides Along Shared Routes

Both Uber and Lyft announced the launch of a new app option allowing riders with the same destination to split a ride and its cost. Lyft’s new tool, Lift Line, is already up and running, while Uber’s, UberPool, will be available August 15. They are both rolling out in San Francisco with other cities to follow. 

What’s Next for the Travel Sharing Economy?

The sharing economy is here to stay. It is getting bigger, more powerful and more responsible as it moves from its infancy to its adolescence stage. These were the observations of Lisa Ganski, author of The Mesh and a sharing economy visionary who spoke at the opening of the inaugural SHARE conference held recently by Peers in San Francisco.

So, what lies ahead as the trend unfolds in the world of travel?

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky and San Francisco Supervisor David Chiu to Speak at an Inaugural Sharing Economy Conference

Peers, the organization advocating the sharing economy, announced earlier this week an impressive lineup of speakers for its inaugural conference. Titled SHARE: Catalyzing the Sharing Economy, the event is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will bring together government officials, sharing economy startups, non-profits and the group’s members to discuss solutions for the future of the new economy.

Seattle Restricts Ridesharing, Puts a Cap on Uber, Lyft and Sidecar Services

The Seattle City Council voted on a highly controversial regulation to limit the number of drivers offering ridesharing services. It imposes a cap of 150 drivers for each company at any given time.

Ridesharing Companies Lyft and Uber Race to Offer Insurance Between Rides

Lyft and Uber rushed to extend insurance coverage for their users. Within an hour, both companies announced that they are adding back-up coverage during the time when drivers are logged on their platforms and ready to accept a passenger.

9flats.com Breaks Even, Reshuffles Leadership

Europe-based accommodation rental website, 9flats.com, reached profitability only three years after its launch. The founder, Stephan Uhrenbacher, steps down from CEO to take a new, more strategic role.

Lyft Takes the Driver’s Seat in the New P2P Rideshare Insurance Coalition

The formation of the first ever Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Rideshare Insurance Coalition was announced recently by Lyft. The company is leading the effort to improve insurance options for drivers offering shared rides.

Airbnb Goes Mainstream, Unlocks a New World of Shared Travel

Airbnb, the major website for short-term rental accommodation, has revolutionized the way we travel. Now larger than some of the biggest international hotel chains, it has inspired many travelers and other companies to join the growing travel sharing economy. A whole new way to travel has emerged and spread accross all sectors – accommodation, transportation, dining and destination experiences.

Overcoming Your Fear of Sharing: What You Need To Know About Trust and Safety

Sharing could be very fulfilling and even contagious but taking the first step might be hard.  Learning about the many trust and safety options can make it easier to overcome your anxieties.