Hi-Tech Hitchhiking In Our Future?

In a post from Andrew Sullivan's blog (The iHitch, August 16, 2008) we find an idea from New Zealand about what the future could hold for instant ridesharing (High-Tech Hitchhiking, August 15, 2008, by Phil Hart, The Oil Drum). The author asks: "Have you ever stood at the bus stop watching hundreds of cars go by and wondered just how many of those cars are headed to the same place you want to go? Wouldn't it be great if you could just stick out your thumb and get a quick ride rather than waiting 10 minutes for the old bus?"

He then goes on to paint a picture of the future where technology has the ability to bring back something that use to be socially acceptable - hitchhiking. What's needed? A mobile phone, a GPS unit and a means of paying the driver a small fee - all in one device. He calls the system "iHitch." He should trademark the term now! In this world every car is a mini-bus. Mr. Hart says that by using an eBay model of 'rating' drivers and riders problems could be weeded out.

The post received a lively discussion that still seems to be going on. One problem people foresee is a myriad of government rules and regulations from taxi and transit officials. Seems these bureaucratic nightmares don't just exist in this country.

The iHitch seems to take the instant ridematching concepts of GoLoco and Goose to another level by incorporating GPS. So what do you think? Is iHitch in our future?

I say anything that helps connect people so they can share the ride is a good thing and should be supported.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a Metro/biking commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Comments

[Zsolt]

I think it is a great idea with the only exception that paying for the ride is not as important as safety.

But I think the device should be able to show the driver who is about to get in the car, It can easily be done with a previous registration to a database. That would revolutionise travelling!

But before that happens we have to put up with the old thumb up method. If you are interested in that, find some stories here:http://theenglishadventure.com/forum.php?tema_id=17&o=#586

[Tom]

I don't see how this is any different than sticking out your thumb. Unless the users of the system are going to be vetted by some third party, fear will remain as the major obstical to hitchhiking. I think most drivers would like to take a look at you before agreeing to anything.

BTW, as an experinced hitchhiker from the dying days of the tradition, I can tell you it is very hard to get a lift if public transportation is available. Also, most people did not pick up riders for any financial reward, the payoff is that they helped someone who need help.

Boy, I miss those days. I'm sure we are safer now, but for some reason my increased safety has not registed on my happiness meter.