The Future of Ride-Sharing Is Looking More Like Something from Star Trek

Privacy pods and A.I. are just the beginning

February 28, 2017 9:00 am

Welcome to the sexy future world of … carpooling?

Just released by acclaimed design firm Ideo — which spearheads the “Future of Automobility” project — “The Future of Moving Together” is a new concept that takes a peek into our ride-sharing future.

According to the American Community Survey report listed on Ideo’s site, 76% of people in the U.S. travel alone with their personal vehicle. Carpooling, then and now in the future, is a way to ease congestion, save money and reduce our carbon footprint.

Carpooling (5 images)

In Ideo’s vision, a future commuter may utilize a four-seat, electric minivan that offers on-demand carpool or ride-sharing options, privacy pods, dedicated storage for passengers, expanded teleconferencing options within the car and even rental discounts and revenue sharing opportunities for riders and owners alike (say, a percentage off your ride if you agree to pick up groceries for the car’s owners during your travels.) Basically, you have have your car working for you while you’re at work.

Good news, as Wired notes, most of this tech is available already in various stages.

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