The Liftshare app is changing car-pooling for the better

By Roland Banks on February 25, 2015 in Applications, News

Finding safe, reliable and inexpensive transport that suits your own schedule is often a real challenge – public transport can be overpriced, uncomfortable, and inconvenient.
For years, many people have joined informal lift-sharing schemes with colleagues and friends – often contributing to the cost of the trip. So in today’s era of smartphones and the Internet, it’s fantastic to see a mobile-focused evolution of the lift-sharing idea – in the form of a new app and service called Liftshare.

What is Liftshare?

Liftshare, already the UK’s largest car-sharing community, recently launched its first ever mobile app, which was developed in partnership with global marketing and technology agency DigitasLBi.
People who are sick of high transport prices or short of options, can now join over 400,000 Liftshare members enjoying cheap travel by sharing car journeys. Liftshare lets drivers and passengers share a ride whenever they need to travel, allowing them to save money, help the environment and make connections with people. It’s a lofty ambition on the part of Liftshare, but after having used the app for several journeys, the benefits are clear.
There is already a popular web-based service for Liftshare, but the new mobile app (available for Android and iOS) makes it even easier to find or offer a lift to any UK destination, with easy and secure payments, and gives both driver and passenger support on the day of travel and beyond.
The launch of the app marks Liftshare’s evolution from a web-based online community which matches drivers with passengers, to a fully-fledged marketplace supporting online booking, cashless payments, peer-to-peer messaging and status updates.

The Liftshare app allows users to:

• Quickly see drivers going their way, whether they want to travel to work, a gig or a sporting event
• Offer a spare seat in their car for an upcoming journey at a fair price, with automated price recommendations
• Choose the best driver for their journey with in-app messaging, user reviews and verified profiles
• Make and receive payments securely
• Receive reminders and updates on the day of travel

The launch of the app is supported by a digital engagement strategy which aims to reach Liftshare’s core audiences of commuters; those who travel for leisure pursuits such as football and live music; and those taking weekend breaks or holidays. It is hoped that such commuters will realise the benefits of Liftshare, especially when compared to the inflexible public transport options that exist today.

Liftshare CEO Ali Clabburn.

Liftshare CEO Ali Clabburn set up the company in 1998 after using a car-sharing service in Germany, and has since built the brand to become a 400,000-strong community. About the service, he said “Our vision for Liftshare is to solve transport poverty by being first to mind for anyone looking to go on a trip or journey. We’re delighted to be launching a new digital service to help us achieve that ambition.”
Anil Pillai, UK CEO at DigitasLBi, said: “We’re truly excited to be taking the first step on our digital journey with Liftshare. As one of the first ever ‘sharing economy’ brands, we believe Liftshare has real potential to become a household name. We’re confident that the launch of their new digital presence and our continued optimisation of the service using real-time data will help them to transform the way people travel.”

Why is Liftshare is different?

No other competitor has launched with a complete end-to-end lift-sharing experience in the UK. And that is how Liftshare makes the whole process easy: from offering and finding lifts, to booking them online, to getting progress updates on the day and adding reviews.
Liftshare was designed and built just as Google were releasing their new material design guidelines, and so the Android version features elements of the new design language – such as advanced animations, different depths of content and dynamic in-screen behaviours. It’s a fluid and engaging experience that is incredibly easy to use.
It’s a service that tries to change user behaviour and create a new category of travel, in the same way that AirBnB has changed people’s behaviour in the travel market. As a result, Liftshare says the app includes features that may appear non-essential, but that were revealed as necessary to deliver behavioural change amongst its user:

• Lift-sharing is about people: building trust, confidence and friendship. The app therefore includes profiles, reviews, and a fully integrated person-to-person messaging system.
• The experience of lift-sharing doesn’t stop at booking: it needs to be supported all the way through to completion. The app supports drivers and passengers on the day of travel with timely push-notifications and status updates. After the journey is completed, users are prompted to rate and review their experience to benefit other users
• Payments are handled in-app using an e-wallet solution, allowing greater control and flexibility to drivers and passengers

Final words

Lift-sharing is ripe for disruption by using mobile technologies, integrated payment systems, and value-added features such as online communities, notifications and p2p messaging, all of which can be accessed via a mobile device.
Liftshare appears to tick all the right boxes, and has already generated a considerable buzz in the industry – it certainly looks like the future of lift-sharing…
As always, we love to hear your feedback, so let us know your own experiences with Liftshare in the comments below.
The Liftshare app can be downloaded here (Android) or here (iOS).

11 reasons why Carpooling is better than you thought

A step closer to your travel plans, a fuller wallet, version of the peer to peer economy, chance to meet new people, have company while you travel, a shift in the way we share, own and trust each other while we travel or just your way around baggage claims and delays, here are the 11 reasons why you might want to check out the car pool trips around you, the next time you step out.

1. Save Money

The most obvious reason to carpool is that you end up spending much less than you would by almost any other way to cover distance on your own. So you aren’t endlessly spending too much on a regular travel routine or shortening your travel budgets and plans. 

Source

2. Greener 

While we are listing down the obvious, the second in line, must be the benefits to the environment that trod along the concept. Lesser fuel- Lesser Pollution-Lesser vehicles on  the road. You know how it’s spelt.

Source

3. Meet new people : Two is company, Three is PARTAYYY 

If the idea of travelling alone only with your Ipod’s shuffle button to console you along the way seems a little blue to you, you know what you must do. Not only does carpooling keep you company during a ride but helps you meet people from your own city or a fellow traveler.

Source

4. Don’t like driving? 

In case driving seems to get the better of you, or you never managed to make it past the driving tests, or the signals on time, or the parking lot without scratches and dents, maybe it’s time to stop, and be driven around instead. #Likeaboss

Source

5. Less Cumbersome

Double checking tickets, passports, baggage claims, taxis and delays haven’t really manged to get a lot of  fans yet. Especially when you can hop on a ride to leave these behind.

Source

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,try Tripda!

6. Who needs a car anyway? 

Whoever thought that you need to buy yourself a car and go around EMI schedules in order to travel in one, definitely didn’t get this one right. And it’s also cheaper than a cab.

Source

7. Public transport woes 

Local trains, metros, buses with endless ques and herds are no ones idea of comfort. Carpool to get the comfort of a car journey without having to spend much.

Source

8. Lesser traffic jams 

Unless you have acquired a thing for taking selfies while stuck in jams, carpooling is perhaps one of the best ideas to reduce the vehicles on the road and ensure scarcer traffic.

Source

9. Safer

Not only is travelling in groups generically safer than on your own, but with options like Driver and Passenger rating system, mobile and email verifications as well as ladies only rides, if you prefer to travel only with women on Tripda, carpooling is safer than it was last time you checked.

Source

10. Step out of a new car each time!

Have a thing for cars or not, no one minds getting their hands on a new car each time and maybe even a fancy one once in a while.

Source

11. Sharing is good

A strand of the Sharing economy, a ride you share is not just good for you but a new opportunity for communities and organizations to use human and physical resources more efficiently as well as a shift in the conventional way people use and own resources.

Source

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,

try Tripda!

Like the article? Please share on your social network. :)

20 Road Trips From Bangalore: Essential Bike and Car Trips

Given the awesome climate that Bangalore and the areas surrounding it enjoy throughout the year, there is no shortage of places you can take a road trip to. However, what plays spoilsport is the poor conditions of most of the roads around the city. Nevertheless, there are numerous tourist destinations in a close proximity, and here is our pick for ideal road-trip weekend getaways from Bangalore.

1. Shivanasamudram Falls, 135 km from Bangalore on road

Shivanasamudram Falls(Source)

Slightly off the Mysore highway and situated by the River Kaveri, Shivanasamudram Falls is a scenic waterfall around 140 kms from Bangalore. Reach early in the day, and chill by the silvery cascade.
Bangalore to Shivanasamudram Road : The drive to Shivasanamudram is approximately 135 kilometers long and along the NH 209, it is a drive to relish!
Best Time to visit: August to February
Shivanasamundram Travel Guide 

2. Nandi Hills, 60 km from Bangalore

Nandi Hills(Source)

Some 70 odd kilometers from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is a popular destination among not just car and bike enthusiasts, but also among cyclists. One day trips are the best way to go if you want to breathe in the beauty of this lovely spot.
Bangalore to Nandi Hills Road Condition: The 60 km long stretch boasts of roads in good condition and less traffic, so this is a journey to enjoy!
Best time to visit: Anytime is a good time to take this short road trip from Bangalore. However, its a good idea to avoid the rains as it may get slippery on the hills.
Nandi Hills

3. Bheemeshwari, 105 km from Bangalore

Bheemeshwari (Credits)

Fancy some fresh fish, nature’s beauty and a sweet ride? Drive to Bheemeshwari and relish the fine pickings of one of the top fishing destinations of the region!
Bangalore to Bheemeshwari Road Condition: The roads, 105 kilometers long, are well kept and dotted with rest-stops and petrol pumps alike, so this 2 hour drive doesn’t seem like much!
Best time to visit: August to February
Bheemeshwari Travel Guide

4. Kabini River, 209 km from Bangalore

Kabini River (Via)

Kabini is a river cabin and ecotourism dugout that promises greenery and wildlife, meadows and serenity, peace and tranquility, while pampering and heightening your senses beautifully! Could you ask for more?
Bangalore to Kabini Road Condition: Take the NH 209, enjoy the good roads and cool breeze and go all khaabon ke parinday a la Hrithik Roshan!
Best time to visit: While monsoons and winters here get cooler, this little European summer cabin-style spot is a wonder to visit at any other time of the year.
Kabini Travel Guide

5. Ooty, 266 km from Bangalore

Nestled in the lap of the blue mountains, Ooty is a relaxing weekend trip to relish. Chill in the hills and go back to work on Monday, a happier person!

Ooty (Source)

Bangalore to Ooty Road Condition: The ride via the Bangalore-Mysore highway and thereafter the SH 66 is 266 kilometers long. A hilly drive into cooler climes is a surefire way to rejuvenate yourself!
Best time to visit: October to June
Ooty Travel Guide

6. Yercaud, 213 km from Bangalore

Yeracud (Source)

Yercaud, the jewel of the south is indeed a jewel to be studded on the crown of your travel experiences. The name Yercaud stands for Lake Forest and is a hot-spot for several small plantations. Drive up there and have fun!
Bangalore to Yercaud Road Condition: Multiple lane roads and good road conditions dominate the 213 kilometers stretch to Yercaud!
Best time to visit: October to June
Yercaud Tourism

7. Savandurga, Karnataka, 50 Km from Bangalore

Savandurga (Source)

Climb, camp, chill! Just 60 kilometers away from Bangalore, Savandurga is a good place to calm those jittery nerves!
Bangalore to Savandurga Road Condition: The roads are good overall, apart from a few stretches on and off. Just 50km.
Best time to visit: November to May
Savandurga Travel Guide

8. Wayanad, 265 km from Bangalore

Wayanad (Source)

A long and bumpy ride, but very scenic too – passing through the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, you would be amazed by the beauty of the journey.
Bangalore to Wayanad Road Condition: 265 kilometers away from Bangalore, Wayanad has good connecting roads and lovely scenic views all along them. Have fun on the road!
Best time to visit: All year round, as the climate is moderate all throughout.
Important : Please note that the road through the Nagahole wildlife sanctuary is closed for vehicles in the evening from around 7 PM to 7 AM. Remember to plan your trip keeping this in mind.
Wayanad Tourism

9. Skandagiri, 70 km from Bangalore

Skandagiri (source)

Also known as the Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri is an ancient hill fortress located about 70 km from Bangalore and is perfect for a one-day outing. It’s particularly famous for night trekking, and one can witness the spectacular sunrise from there before proceeding downhill.
Bangalore to Skandagiri Road Condition: Most of the travelers usually follow the NH 44 to reach Chik Bellapur and from there they move to Pappagni Matt where after parking their vehicles, they start the trek. The roads are fairly decent with very few bad patches in it.
Best time to visit: It is best to visit Skandagiri during November to February. During the winter months, the top of the hill is often enclosed in a blanket of mist, making it a really romantic experience.

10. Coorg, 280 km from Bangalore

Coorg (source)

Considered by many as the best hill station in South India, Coorg is an ideal place to go on a road trip for all Bangaloreans. Also known by its ancient name Kodagu, it is located in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forest slopes of the Western Ghats. Indulge in adventure sport activities like river rafting and trekking while here.
Bangalore to Coorg Road Condition: The roads are very good, much to a driver’s delight. To reach there, one can get on the Mysore highway and take a deviation post Srirangapatana, bypassing Mysore city on the way.
Best time to visit: Having a pleasant climate throughout the year, Coorg is a year-round destination.

11. Mysuru, 150 km from Bangalore

Mysuru (source)

Mysuru (name recently changed from Mysore) is the third largest city in Karnataka. Because of the magnificent buildings and palaces of historical and cultural significance, Mysuru has been given the tag of the Cultural Capital of South Karnataka. The Mysore Palace, a World Heritage Site, is one of the premier attractions here.
Bangalore to Mysuru Road Condition: The distance from Bangalore to Mysore is about 140 kms which can be covered in approximately 3 hours. There’s a superb 4 lane state highway that connects the two cities. Though it is a busy route, the traffic is practically uninterrupted and fast.
Best time to visit: Mysore is a year-round destination with pleasant climate through most of the months. But the best time to visit it would be in between October and February, when the weather is cooler.

12. Hampi, 350 km from Bangalore

Hampi, (source)

Called the Forgotten Empire by several historians, Hampi is located in the ruins of the once-magnificent Vijayanagar kingdom. The terrain here is marked by rocky boulders and banana plantations. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also an important religious center housing the Virupaksha temple and other old temples and monuments.
Bangalore to Hampi Road Condition: The road from Chitradurga to Hospet is in pathetic condition. There is another route from Bellary to Hiriyur. This is awesome route nothing less than main highway but with no divider. It is strongly recommended to use this route while going to Hampi via Bangalore.
Best time to visit: November to February is the ideal time to visit Hampi as it’s the time when winter sets in.

13. Biligiriranga Hills, 200 km from Bangalore

Biligirirangana Hills (source)

Popularly known as just BR Hills, this place is located in the South Eastern part of Karnataka, sharing a border with Tamil Nadu. Located at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats, one can find a mingling of two different kinds of ecosystems. Most of the area is a part of a protected Tiger Reserve, i.e. the Biligiri Rangaswamy Sanctuary, making it a perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers.
Bangalore to BR Hills Road Condition: It’s much better to take the Kanakapura route than the route via Mysore. The roads are very scenic, there is very little traffic and the road are in awesome condition.
Best time to visit: It’s a year round destination but June to November is the perfect time to visit BR Hills.

14. Lepakshi, 150 km from Bangalore

Lepakshi (source)

An important heritage and archaeological site, Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its Hanging Pillar, the monolithic statue of Nandi and its architecture which resembles that of the Vijayanagar State. History buffs and people interested in learning about India’s ancient heritage should include this amazing place in their travel list.
Bangalore to Lepakshi Road Condition:  Most of the route is through the 6 lane Bangalore-Hyderabad highway (NH 207). Hence, driving is a total pleasure.
Best time to visit: October to February is the ideal time to visit Lepakshi. The weather is cool and pleasant during this period.

15. Sangam

Sangam (Source)

Located at the confluence of the two rivers Arkavathy and Cauvery,  Sangam is a perfect road trip destination from Bangalore. The rivers rushing and gushing through the smooth granite rocks make a very picturesque sight. Arkavathy Dam and other picnic spots are located quite close to this place and are popular among tourists.
Bangalore to Sangam Road Condition: Bangalore to Kanakapura 60kms, Kanakapura to Sangama 30+ Kms, Sangama to Mekedatu 4 kms, total around 100 Kms (one side). Road conditions are said to be decent.
Best time to visit: During the Summer and Monsoon seasons.

16. Coonoor

Coonoor, (Source)

Known for its tea plantations, Coonoor is the 2nd largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the South. The weather here remains cool and pleasant throughout the year. Taking a ride on the Toy Train line and birdwatching are some of the main things to do while here. It’s about 300 kms from Bangalore and so planning road trips from Bangalore would be fairly easy.
Bangalore to Coonoor Road Condition: Roads are said to be in very good condition. Distance is about 290-300 kms.
Best time to visit: Between October and March

17. Avalabetta

Avalabetta (Source)

About 90 kms from Bangalore lies a small hillock called Avalabetta which is an ideal road trip location from Bangalore. The views from the top are extremely stunning, with rockiness and greenery around. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the temples when you’re there.
Bangalore to Avalabetta Road Condition: The road to Avalabetta has some occasional bad bits, but it’s good for most of the way.
Best time to visit: Year round destination

18. Pondicherry

Beach at Pondicherry, (Source)

An Ex-French Colony, the culture and ambiance at Pondicherry still reflects the remnants of its French Colonial ancestors. The food, the architecture, everything offers you a glimpse into the French Colony it was back in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a popular tourist destination in South India owing to it’s colonial era buildings, churches and temples, and of course, the famous beaches. All these factors make it one of the best road trips from Bangalore.
Bangalore to Pondicherry Road Condition:  The road from Krishnagiri to Chengam is especially bad. Even though it’s 100 kms more, use the  Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram route. 
Best time to visit: October to March

19. Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur (Source)

Sakleshpur is a small hill station located in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It’s a very lush, green place, owing to the fact that it is situated in the Western Ghats and is famous for its coffee plantations. With plenty of scenic beauty, Sakleshpur is a perfect spot for trekking and adventure activities. Add to it the perfect, year round weather and that makes it an ideal road trip destination from Bangalore.
Bangalore to Sakleshpur Road Condition: The Highway is well maintained and one can have an enjoyable ride.
Best time to visit: Year Round Destination

20. Bandipur

Bandipur (Source)

Considered to be one of the best road trips from Bangalore, Bandipur is a paradise for all the nature lovers and adventurers. As you step into the green, untamed wilderness of this place, you’ll be enchanted by it. The Bandipur National Park is famous for housing the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, but you’ll also come across plenty of other flora and fauna species, such as elephants, and plenty of rare birds and plants.
Bangalore to Bandipur Road:  The Bangalore – Mysore – Gundlupet – Bandipur route is a favourable route, mainly due to better road conditions as compared to other routes.
Best time to visit: Year Round Destination.

11 reasons why Carpooling is better than you thought

A step closer to your travel plans, a fuller wallet, version of the peer to peer economy, chance to meet new people, have company while you travel, a shift in the way we share, own and trust each other while we travel or just your way around baggage claims and delays, here are the 11 reasons why you might want to check out the car pool trips around you, the next time you step out.

1. Save Money

The most obvious reason to carpool is that you end up spending much less than you would by almost any other way to cover distance on your own. So you aren’t endlessly spending too much on a regular travel routine or shortening your travel budgets and plans. 

Source

2. Greener 

While we are listing down the obvious, the second in line, must be the benefits to the environment that trod along the concept. Lesser fuel- Lesser Pollution-Lesser vehicles on  the road. You know how it’s spelt.

Source

3. Meet new people : Two is company, Three is PARTAYYY 

If the idea of travelling alone only with your Ipod’s shuffle button to console you along the way seems a little blue to you, you know what you must do. Not only does carpooling keep you company during a ride but helps you meet people from your own city or a fellow traveler.

Source

4. Don’t like driving? 

In case driving seems to get the better of you, or you never managed to make it past the driving tests, or the signals on time, or the parking lot without scratches and dents, maybe it’s time to stop, and be driven around instead. #Likeaboss

Source

5. Less Cumbersome

Double checking tickets, passports, baggage claims, taxis and delays haven’t really manged to get a lot of  fans yet. Especially when you can hop on a ride to leave these behind.

Source

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,try Tripda!

6. Who needs a car anyway? 

Whoever thought that you need to buy yourself a car and go around EMI schedules in order to travel in one, definitely didn’t get this one right. And it’s also cheaper than a cab.

Source

7. Public transport woes 

Local trains, metros, buses with endless ques and herds are no ones idea of comfort. Carpool to get the comfort of a car journey without having to spend much.

Source

8. Lesser traffic jams 

Unless you have acquired a thing for taking selfies while stuck in jams, carpooling is perhaps one of the best ideas to reduce the vehicles on the road and ensure scarcer traffic.

Source

9. Safer

Not only is travelling in groups generically safer than on your own, but with options like Driver and Passenger rating system, mobile and email verifications as well as ladies only rides, if you prefer to travel only with women on Tripda, carpooling is safer than it was last time you checked.

Source

10. Step out of a new car each time!

Have a thing for cars or not, no one minds getting their hands on a new car each time and maybe even a fancy one once in a while.

Source

11. Sharing is good

A strand of the Sharing economy, a ride you share is not just good for you but a new opportunity for communities and organizations to use human and physical resources more efficiently as well as a shift in the conventional way people use and own resources.

Source

A step closer to your travel plans, a fuller wallet, version of the peer to peer economy, chance to meet new people, have company while you travel, a shift in the way we share, own and trust each other while we travel or just your way around baggage claims and delays, here are the 11 reasons why you might want to check out the car pool trips around you, the next time you step out.

1. Save Money

The most obvious reason to carpool is that you end up spending much less than you would by almost any other way to cover distance on your own. So you aren’t endlessly spending too much on a regular travel routine or shortening your travel budgets and plans. 

Source

2. Greener 

While we are listing down the obvious, the second in line, must be the benefits to the environment that trod along the concept. Lesser fuel- Lesser Pollution-Lesser vehicles on  the road. You know how it’s spelt.

Source

3. Meet new people : Two is company, Three is PARTAYYY 

If the idea of travelling alone only with your Ipod’s shuffle button to console you along the way seems a little blue to you, you know what you must do. Not only does carpooling keep you company during a ride but helps you meet people from your own city or a fellow traveler.

Source

4. Don’t like driving? 

In case driving seems to get the better of you, or you never managed to make it past the driving tests, or the signals on time, or the parking lot without scratches and dents, maybe it’s time to stop, and be driven around instead. #Likeaboss

Source

5. Less Cumbersome

Double checking tickets, passports, baggage claims, taxis and delays haven’t really manged to get a lot of  fans yet. Especially when you can hop on a ride to leave these behind.

Source

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,try Tripda!

6. Who needs a car anyway? 

Whoever thought that you need to buy yourself a car and go around EMI schedules in order to travel in one, definitely didn’t get this one right. And it’s also cheaper than a cab.

Source

7. Public transport woes 

Local trains, metros, buses with endless ques and herds are no ones idea of comfort. Carpool to get the comfort of a car journey without having to spend much.

Source

8. Lesser traffic jams 

Unless you have acquired a thing for taking selfies while stuck in jams, carpooling is perhaps one of the best ideas to reduce the vehicles on the road and ensure scarcer traffic.

Source

9. Safer

Not only is travelling in groups generically safer than on your own, but with options like Driver and Passenger rating system, mobile and email verifications as well as ladies only rides, if you prefer to travel only with women on Tripda, carpooling is safer than it was last time you checked.

Source

10. Step out of a new car each time!

Have a thing for cars or not, no one minds getting their hands on a new car each time and maybe even a fancy one once in a while.

Source

11. Sharing is good

A strand of the Sharing economy, a ride you share is not just good for you but a new opportunity for communities and organizations to use human and physical resources more efficiently as well as a shift in the conventional way people use and own resources.

Source

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,

try Tripda!