Bla Bla Car Sharing Service Soars in Europe
 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/02/bu...-map.html?_r=0

Folks looking for a very different way to get between cities in places like France, Germany, etc can now use BlaBlaCar, which for several years now has matched folks driving intermediate distances - of up to about 200 miles the article above says, to get a ride - just paying for part of the travel costs - profits by the driver are not allowed. BlaBlaCar takes 12% up front of the charges - decided on before booking.

And for those who like to chat BlaBla, named after the penchant of some on long rides to just chit chat bout nothing - you can ask for a Bla ride - meaning you do not want to talk at all but be left in silence or you can be a BlaBla - some talk or you can call yourself a BlaBlaBla - incessant chatter - so the driver beware.

Passengers are covered by the driver's insurance policy the article says.

About 1,000,000 people are now said to use BlalaCar in Europe each month.

The company, started in 2006 in Paris, just got $100 million ifrom venture capitalists to extend its profile and services.

The car travel is often cheaper than the train and for a foreign tourist infinitely more interesting perhaps - and luggage is no problem - door to door service.

I see your interest was piqued! Yes, it's a great service. You never know when you might need it! It is especially god for long distance car -pooling. So many people now in Spain, for example, found a job in Madrid but still "live" in Valencia.. so thesis a perfect way to find others suffering the same commute.

Actually, when I was YOUNG, there was a "hitch-hiking" agency in Paris that put hitch-hikers together for a small fee! I hitchhiked with a nurse from Paris to Barcelona.

You can also use http://www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de/ where the driver gets 100% of the fee.

I have several friends who use this.

lincasanova - yes thanks for first mentioning these car-sharing services a few weeks back when my friend was looking for a way to get to the airport in Paris in light of the train strike (she did manage to get there by train/RER) - what was the name of the company in Spain (and France) you mentioned - it was not this one I believe - just for my info - thanks.

Yes, it was. ...."too bad she can't find someone to share a car rental with. blablacar is a website we use here.. works great especially under these circumstances. hope she makes it"


I'm just glad you found a good article about it. It MAY be an option for some, you never know.

I know these people from Germany - a friend of mine used to use them extensively. I am a train gal myself...

http://www.mitfahrzentrale.de

Lavandula