Ride sharing could soon earn you reward points

Sharing a ride to work, the shopping centre, or just about anywhere could soon earn you reward points for airline tickets, consumer items and services. A Toronto-based project is looking at using technology to match drivers and people needing a ride, while setting up a reward system to entice participants.

And the best part, according to Geoff Knapp, project manager of the Integrated Travel Services Ride Points System, would be the reduction in the number of cars on the road, and ultimately pollution such as greenhouse gases. 

“The more people ride-match, the more they can help decrease pollution,” says Knapp. “At the same time, they can accumulate points for an existing reward program or our own reward program by using the service.”

Through the use of assisted global positioning technology, users would contact a central automated system via phone or the Internet. Those looking for a ride would provide information on their location and destination. Those interested in providing rides would use the same automated system to confirm a pick-up point. This ride-matching would be conducted in real-time – something that sets it apart from a typical car pool.

“Using real-time locationing and matching means greater flexibility than other types of ride-sharing or car-pooling. And of course, we’re hoping the points system will be a real lure for people,” says Knapp.

Before signing on to the program, users would buy a bank of points. Those accepting rides would transfer points to ride-providers. The number of points transferred would depend on the length of the trip. After accumulating enough points, participants could trade them in for goods or services.

A team, consisting of representatives from the IBI Group, Larsson Consulting Ltd., Redknee Inc. and the University of New Brunswick, is doing a feasibility study and conducting focus groups on the Ride Points System. Following these, a business case will be prepared for the concept. Eventually, Knapp would like to see a pilot project put into place to further examine the potential of the system.

“We’re hoping to persuade those who drive, often as single occupants in vehicles, to share a ride with someone else,” adds Knapp. “We see this program as being complementary to public transit, not competitive.”

Transport Canada is supporting the project with $84,500 from its Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program. This program includes funding for initiatives that better integrate the transportation system. These include research and development into Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the deployment of ITS across Canada, improvements to border crossings and better transportation planning. More information on ITS can be found at http://www.its-sti.gc.ca/en/menu.htm