BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling. It connects drivers with empty seats and passengers looking to travel between cities, primarily for medium to long-distance journeys. The platform aims to reduce travel costs for both drivers and passengers by sharing the expenses of a trip, such as fuel and tolls. It also contributes to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions by optimizing vehicle occupancy.

Founded in 2006 as Covoiturage.fr, the company rebranded as BlaBlaCar in 2013 to reflect its international expansion. The "BlaBla" in the name refers to the level of chattiness a user indicates they are comfortable with during a ride, ranging from "Bla" (quiet) to "BlaBlaBla" (talkative).

The service operates through a website and mobile app. Users create profiles and search for available rides or offer rides. The platform facilitates communication and booking between drivers and passengers, handling payments and providing a review system to build trust and safety within the community. BlaBlaCar verifies user profiles using methods such as phone number and email verification. Drivers set the price per seat, and BlaBlaCar takes a commission on each booking. The platform is available in numerous countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. BlaBlaCar has also expanded into other transportation offerings, including bus services and a ridesharing service for shorter distances within cities in some locations.