Ride Sharing 2.0

OpenRide is a free and open software for arranging spontaneous shared rides using smartphones. OpenRide combines mobile technologies and automated arrangement processes with intelligent search algorithms. Drivers and passengers on the move can offer or search for rides with their mobile phones using OpenRide. OpenRide automatically matches routes and notifies and connects drivers and passengers in real time.

If necessary, the current positions of drivers and passengers are automatically tracked and taken into account during the arrangement process. A minimum lead time for placing and looking for ads – as with traditional shared ride services – becomes obsolete due to the mobile solution. Even quick trips in city traffic can be offered and arranged. OpenRide is shared rides 2.0 – spontaneous, environmentally friendly and smart.

With OpenRide, anybody can run their own ride share service for spontaneous shared rides, whether they are a large company, a city, a community, an event organiser, an entrepreneur or a private person. The OpenRide software is open, free and highly adjustable (open source software). Most importantly: With OpenRide you won't become dependent on a specific manufacturer or provider. You can use, adjust and further develop OpenRide completely uisng your own ideas.

OpenRide is furthermore:

• Device-independent: OpenRide consists of an end device component (for the user) and a server component (for the provider). The end device component runs as a mobile web page in the web browser and can therefore be used by any internet-enabled device, whether it is a PC, smartphone, netbook or tablet. App solutions are of course possible as well.

• Clever: OpenRide is based on an advanced search engine for intelligent route matching: The search engine does not only consider the start and end point of the route but the complete route. Therefore, passengers can be picked up along the way for part of the route.

•  Open: OpenRide offers open interfaces that allow for the easy integration of different shared ride communities that make it possible to embed the OpenRide solution in existing products.

• Trust building: Often it is a lack of trust in an unknown driver or passenger that prevents potential customers from using the services of traditional car-sharing agencies. OpenRide solves this problem by introducing and matching user profiles via a two sided rating system. The result is an increased level of trust between driver and passenger.

Test it yourself at www.open-ride.mobi (so far German version only)! We recommend mobile phones with a newer web browser, e.g. the iPhone 3G, Android mobile phones starting at Android 2.1 and Windows Mobile starting at version 6.5. You can use OpenRide on Nokia Smartphones with the "opera mobile" web browser.

The OpenRide software and documentation can be downloaded at Sourceforge.

Support services (at current IT daily rates) for installation, introduction or adjustment of the OpenRide solution can be requested here: openride-support [at] lists.sourceforge.net.

Terms of use

Please observe: OpenRide is the registered trademark of the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS). The OpenRide logo is copyrighted and may not be used without the explicit permission of FOKUS. The other graphic elements of the open source software can be used freely.

If you operate a solution that was developed based on the OpenRide source code, you should put the words "Powered by OpenRide" on a highly visible spot.