Quantcast
Channel: Nittyz World » Apps
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Car Sharing Apps for Your Smartphone Aimed At Geeks

0
0

The latest craze to hit the app market are car sharing apps. Car sharing in general is increasing in popularity and we predict that by 2014 it will become common practice among many commuters. Even car owners will notice the many benefits and hop on board even if on a part time basis.

uberx

image via (Uber)

Not only does car sharing appeal to those who don’t own a vehicle, it appeals to the eco friendly  crowd as well as it means less cars on the road. As for geeks and tech heads, the apps that most of these car sharing services operate and thrive on also make it an attractive new web based gadget of sorts to play with. Below we mention and profile some of the most popular car sharing services as of late. We’re sure by the end of 2014, there will be many more services like this in the marketplace. Stay tuned.

1. Lyft -

Lyft is one of the most popular car sharing services on the web and is currently available in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, St. Paul, Phoenix, Indianapolis, San Diego, Dallas, Seattle and Charlotte. You sign up via their Android or iPhone app and once approved, a local driver will pick you up (hence the clever name Lyft) and give you a lift to your destination. What the fee is depends the type of car you choose and how far you’re traveling. But you will know this in advance when you book your ride and you can then accept or deny the fare offer. You can also sign up for credit codes which are found online plentifully via a quick Google search. AAA+

See it here: Lyft.com

2. Get Around -

Get Around is currently only available in the following cities; Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, Austin and San Diego. As for how to book? You can book with them online or via their iPhone app. But if you don’t have an iPhone, you can simply book via their website. So if you have an Android, you can still use them just visit the mobile site online. Search for cars via zip code, then request (or book) whatever car you like locally from the list and once approved – you pick up the car and off you go.

They charge an authorization fee of $150 according to an agent after I sent an email asking about fees. This one time amount is charged upon initial registration and is lifted off your credit card account within 2 to 4 business days and upon a successful return of the rented vehicle. Deposit amount may vary, so it may or may not be $150, but that is the minimum on all new registrants. And that’s on top of the rental fee of your chosen vehicle. AA+++

See them here: GetAround.com

3. Uber -

Uber offers both a local traditional car pick up service and also a more luxe sedan service pick up. You can specify which when you make your booking. We believe as of this writing, that Uber has the most cities in its roster and even has international service providers/drivers. This one is probably the most widely available, check your city to be sure but its most likely available where you live. Rates vary depending on the type of car you choose, your travel distance, etc. Both an iPhone and Android app are available as well as online (onsite) booking via the website. We quite like their interface and many options; it’s simple, quick and quite intuitive. AAA+++

See it here: Uber.com

4. Relay Rides -

Relay Rides is not (yet) quite as popular as the other service providers mentioned on our list and as such not that many cars are available. In Chicago, which is a major city we typed in our zip code and found only one car available to us. This is disappointing as the hourly and daily car rental rates are pretty affordable. Hopefully they will do more advertising and or social media campaigns soon to get the word out and get more drivers on board. AA+

See it here: RelayRides.com

As we mentioned above these four are the most well known and or popular for now, but we suspect in due time, there will be many more of these car sharing services and apps popping up at a city near you. Car sharing makes good financial sense as the hourly and daily rates include gas and insurance and some providers have many local nearby drivers. Give them a try today.

Missy Diaz contributed this guest piece on behalf of Fitts Auto – she’s an avid lifestyle blogger based in Chicago who writes on various car and driving related topics. Since 2008, she’s been published on thousands of sites and blogs and looks forward to the day that her long awaited  non fiction novel is published.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images