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Ride sharing startup Zimride is launching a new experimental mobile app called Lyft that will enable drivers and riders to connect in real time, and even watch the drivers drive to the agreed upon pick-up spot via a map on the smartphone. Booking a lift via Zimride can be a good choice for a long trip that you schedule in advance. But what about if you want to catch a ride right now? Just turn to the mobile app Lyft! The app, only available via invite now, lets potential riders look for available drivers close by and request rides. The riders and drivers can look at each other’s profiles and the app is using Facebook Connect for log-in and social security. Once booked, riders can watch their drivers drive to them on a mobile map in real time. Riders pay the driver based on a suggested donation mobile via the app itself (no cash exchange) and Zimride says the rides will be about 30 percent cheaper than a cab. The biggest problem with these types of apps will likely be safety issues—riders getting picked up by drivers they don’t feel comfortable with. To address some of these concerns, the company says drivers will be investigated via car inspections, background check, personal interviews and DMV record checks. Zimride says its fellow 500 Startups-backed company Task Rabbit advised it on some of these security moves. For now the service will only be available during the evening rush hours. Over time, the service will be available 24 hours, says Zimride. San Francisco is rapidly becoming a test bed for these types of next-generation, more efficient, transportation apps, like Scoot Networks and Ridepal. | 
