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Google Expands Waze Ride-Share Service in California

Alphabet Inc.’s Google unit is expanding its Waze ride-sharing service to Los Angeles and other parts of California.

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Alphabet Inc.’s Google unit is expanding its Waze ride-sharing service to Los Angeles and other parts of California.

The service, which uses a smartphone app to connect drivers with potential passengers who are heading in the same direction, was launched last autumn in the San Francisco Bay area. The broader California rollout will begin next week.

Riders pay drivers as much as 54 cents per mile to help cover fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses. Initially, Waze isn’t taking a cut of the transaction. But company officials say a commission will be charged after the pilot programs have been completed.

Google purchased Waze, an Israeli startup formerly known as Freemap, in 2013. In addition to basic navigation functions, the Waze system also allows users to share real-time information about traffic congestion, accidents, police speed traps and other location-based updates. Los Angeles has the most Waze users anywhere in the world.

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