Waze matches riders with drivers already headed along similar routes during morning and evening rush hours, and amazingly, charges riders a basic rate of only $0.54 a mile. Since car insurance policies in states including California typically cover “not for profit, share-the-expense carpooling,” Waze Carpool may be able to avoid the scrutiny around insurance coverage that has at times sidelined Uber and Lyft.

Although a spokesperson has stated that “the company has not committed to any future plans,” the long-term ramifications of Waze's rider app could spell the end of other ride-hailing companies like Uber.