GroundLink a transportation technology and travel services business announced the release of a new mobile app. According to the New York-based company, this is the second iPhone (News - Alert) app from GroundLink. The new app allows users to book a hybrid, electric or otherwise clean-vehicle, car, shuttle or limo in any city across the globe. Also users can select the most suitable ride with respect to price, service rating and early service availability using the app.
GroundLink chief executive Alex Mashinsky said in a release, “Over 5,000 of our transportation providers offer green vehicles – all forms, including hydrogen fleets in Los Angeles, even. It’s not all hybrids and electrics. Some countries have promoted natural gas vehicles.”
“That said, we let the customer choose by their own preferences. If they want an SUV, a stretch limo or whatever, they can book that service, too,” Mashinsky added.
Company officials expect the user-base for the company’s phone apps to grow in major travel hubs in the U.S. and Europe. GroundLink hopes that at least 10 percent of bookings will be done via smartphones by the end of the year which will be an increase of more than 25 percent by 2013.
Also the company has plans to release an Android (News - Alert) app in March 2011. Early this year GroundLink signed a partnership agreement with the travel search engine, KAYAK which enables the company to cover new online audiences as well as on mobile networks.
KAYAK sources confirmed that GoundLink API is used by it to offer a ground transportation marketplace within its own applications. GroundLink’s service is offered in 5,000 airports, 15,000 cities and by 45,000 providers of ground transportation related services.
It was revealed that although GroundLink deals with taxis it does not make revenue from sending business to taxi dispatchers at this time. It does not advertise itself as a cab-hailing service. In case users want an immediate taxi service, they can access a list of dispatchers in the area through GroundLink, which refers users to book through the dispatchers, directly.
GroundLink strives to be an OpenTable of ground transportation, a reservations system and marketplace that helps travelers to book a limo, car or shuttle ride within 30 minutes’ notice in the U.S., or within an hour elsewhere. It allows a view of the price before initiating the booking process.
Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jennifer Russell
