SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR RIDE SHARING BASED ON MILEAGES

• US 20130054311A1
• Filed: 08/29/2012
• Published: 02/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Miles2share LLC
• Original Assignee: Miles2share LLC
• Inventors: Kataria, Ajay, Kuo, Adeline, Kannan, Anjuli
• Application Number:
  US13/597,764
• Publication Number:
  US 20130054311A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/13
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3438 Rendez-vous, i.e. searching a destination where several users can meet, and the routes to this destination for these users; Ride sharing, i.e. searching a route such that at least two users can share a vehicle for at least part of the route
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/04 Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem" market predictions or forecasting for commercial activities G06Q30/0202
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/40 Business processes related to the transportation industry shipping G06Q10/083
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/02 taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems G07B15/06 takes precedence; taximeters G07B13/00; parking meters per se G07F17/24; car rental systems per se G07B15/00

Abstract

To reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, there needs to be better systems and methods of coordinating travel among people. The presently disclosed system not only allows for ride sharing to take place, the driver can also be rewarded with financial incentives while the passenger not only is able to get to the desired destination, he or she can also save money by not having to maintain a vehicle, not to mention numerous other benefits to the environment and society.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

(a) receiving information from one or more members to create ride sharing social circles or groups;

(b) classifying the one or more members as driver, passenger or both;

(c) matching at least a portion of the information from one or more members, wherein the information includes a trip;

(d) providing contact information between at least one driver and at least one passenger depending on the amount of overlap of the trip, wherein the amount of overlap exceeds a pre-determined threshold; and

(e) rewarding the driver the number of miles travelled based on the trip.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the trip of step (c) includes a starting point and a destination point.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-determined threshold of step (d) is at least 75%.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-determined threshold of step (d) is at least 90%.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the matching step (c) further includes validating the one or more members having sufficient number of miles in his or her account if the member is classified as a passenger.

6. The method of claim 1, concomitant to the providing step (d), allowing the passenger to purchase the number of miles necessary before scheduling a ride with a driver.