Travelling smart

The author lists four apps for smooth carpool

Now that the Delhi government is considering the implementation of the "odd-even" plan, in which odd- and even-numbered vehicles will be allowed to ply on alternate days, sharing a ride is likely to become a hot new trend. Here are some of the carpooling apps you could use.

ibibo Ryde

Developed by the ibibo group, Ryde is a free app available for both Android and iOS phones. You can register for an account on the app or log in on Facebook. Once signed in, the app lets you choose the source and destination of the ride and then displays the options available for carpool. You could also check the route, the seats available and the cost per seat. The app allows the user to rate the experience. For payments, you could link your bank accounts with the app. Ryde also has the option of inter-state carpooling.

Carpool India

The Carpool India app requires you to register for it; it doesn't rely on the social media. Once you've registered, you could choose your destination and would be presented with carpool options. The app is not as extensive as Ryde, but it provides enough information to find a decent carpool. After picking the desired option, you would have to send a request to the user offering the ride. Transaction methods can be decided by the users. The app is secure since it doesn't give out users' personal information unless they want to share it. It is only available on Android and is free to download.

Orahi

Orahi is for people looking to travel daily to and from work. First, you need to sign up for an account by filling in your home and office addresses. After that, you could state your preferences - time and day - for the ride and will be matched with members travelling along the same route. Once you've selected the desired member, you would have to tap on "Ride with me" and an invitation would be sent across.

The app relies on online payment, so users can travel cashless. Users have the option of chatting with other members and can also view the top users based on the number of kilometres one has shared. It is available for both Android and iOS for free.

Blablacar

The app enables users to look up both inter- and intra-city carpools. Blablacar can be linked with the users' Facebook account. It displays the cost per person, the seats available and also the time the carpool departs from the source. The payment has to be made in cash.

Blablacar doesn't display contact details of users unless they make it visible. After the ride, users can rate one another, which, in turn, influences their experience level. The higher the level, the more likely they are to be offered or asked for a ride. Blablacar is available on both Android and iOS phones and is free to download.