Method for providing a searchable, comprehensive database of proposed rides

Abstract

A method is disclosed that matches travelers for ride sharing according to personal preferences, such as smoking, music, allergies, drive sharing, expense sharing, number of riders, and gender, as well as basic trip details. In preferred embodiments the method is accessed via a website, and trips can be over any distance and / or by any land, air, or water vehicle. Embodiments require traveler verification by a payment and / or other means, and / or require travelers to supply identifying information. Matches can take into account ratings of travelers by other travelers. Confirmations, reminders, and ride sharing advice can be sent to riders before scheduled rides, and information about a shared ride can be sent to a non-rider. Fees can be charged, and credited if no match is accepted. Communications can be secure and requesting and / or accepting matches can be logged. Origin and / or destination radii can be automatically enlarged to provide more matches.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a United States filing entitled to the benefit of International Patent Application Number WO06088703A2 entitled “METHOD FOR PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE, SEARCHABLE DATABASE OF PROPOSED TRIPS”, filed Feb. 7, 2006, and published internationally on Aug. 24, 2006, herein incorporated by reference.[0002]International Patent Application Number WO06088703A2 is entitled to the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 653,374, entitled “METHOD FOR PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE, SEARCHABLE DATABASE OF PROPOSED TRIPS”, filed Feb. 16, 2005, herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention generally relates to ride sharing, and more specifically to methods of arranging for sharing of rides.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Services and methods are known that match travelers who wish to make similar trips, so as to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of ride sharing. However, th...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, these services typically do not take into consideration the riders' personal traveling preferences.

For example, they do not allow a rider to specify a gender, smoking preferences, music preferences, or to specify different departure times. This leads to unpredictable and sometimes unpleasant ride sharing experiences, especially when the methods are applied to individual trips as compared to regular, frequently repeated, short trips such as commuting to work and back.

In addition, known systems and methods for matching travelers are typically restricted to matching automotive travelers who commute within a local region.

This does not benefit travelers who wish to take trips spanning a particular region, country or continent, and who may wish to share modes of transportation other than automobiles.

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