I would never use a service like this. You do realize that if your friendly driver gets into an accident, their insurance isn't going to pay a dime of your medical bills, because non-commercial insurance doesn't cover using your vehicle as a private taxi? Way to play roulette with your future.

For once I thought well this is a well written article... until about half way down.
#1 is right, this system favors those with money, thus using (not really creating) a certain class system. And puts a dampener on the Hippy side of life we enjoy in the PNW, after all, you're a hipster hippy if you own a smartphone and can afford it's data plan (for the most part yes, I know there are exceptions but if you have a Iphone (any version) or a new (<2 year old) smart phone, you're no hippy in my book).

Since when does a stranger offer you the use of their phone nowadays anyway? You got to stop trolling Glib, if this was your article and you were trying to counter points made by your readers I would understand, otherwise, say your point and leave.

The concern about private insurance not covering commercial driving (which this is) is totally valid, even if the website does offer compensation if you get caught (ei in a accident.

The more I think about it the more I come to the realization that this really just looks like a advertisement in disguise of a news article... an infomercial of sorts. Shame on you The Stranger for selling out like this.

@32, Glib.

Thank you for proving my point, and I appologize if I like my pseudo anonymity, doesn't make me a troll, it makes me securiy consious, besides it's only a facade as I use the same email every time so I'm really only anonymous to the readers, not the staff.

Guess I'm falling for your trap by responding, making me guilty of my first comments to you, so you win, how's that?

however, I "fail to understand that someone can request a ride on antoher's behalf"? not so, I understand that a friend can do that for you but how often have you loaned out your fancy smart phone to a stranger to let them do that or have done it for them? you missed my point completely but then again what could I expect from someone who has commented on about 1/3~1/4 of the commentes here? Troll much? how do YOU define trolling? just because you have a registerd account doens't NOT make you a troll.

Seeing this blob's got almost nothing to do with the article, I vote that it sould be deleted. Mine and all others that have nothing or very little to bring to discussion of this article.

Unbrainwashed is silly and hostile toward anything outside his or her viewpoint - there's absolutely no compromise in the thinking. Fact is, smartphones are in the hands of most economic classes and across most ethnic groups. Not all smartphones require beefy and expensive data plans or contracts. It's possible to get working coverage for less than $50/month. I had a no-contract phone for a while and seem to remember paying $40/month.

I don't know how you imagine the world to be but it's not realistic. Your assertion that Sidecar is for white yuppies is absolutely ludicrous. I've been driving for them to help with my car payment. I've picked up blacks, whites, Asians, hispanics, etc. from all kinds of walks of life. Get over yourself, you're WAY out of touch.

Oh, and as far as your comment in #10 regarding insurance, maybe YOUR policy doesn't allow this but that doesn't preclude coverage in ALL policies. You speak in a way that assumes you have all the answers, and that none of us have thought any of this through. Well, MY policy covers me. I checked with a CSR and had it further supported by speaking directly with a policy specialist. Seriously, you REALLY need to get over yourself, you come across like a whiny and ill-informed senile old grandma from the hinterland, for real.

Get informed is the answer to most of the halfassed comments on here. Maybe prevent yourself from appearing so ignorant to those that actually took the time to research before responding/commenting to something strictly noted on this page.
Get some facts: http://www.side.cr/safety
All drivers are pre-vetted for safety, all rides are GPS tracked and everyone who rides is covered by our unique $1 million dollar insurance policy. We have many additional features in place to help maintain your safety and security.
Then process the information before you type...
This company has put a LOT of answers to a LOT of questions right on their site. Go figure...what a concept.

Personally I love the idea and if it was near me I would use it. I go green by not owning a car...haven't for over 3 years now. And this concept appeals to me after taking cabs with VERY scrupulous looking drivers and well-worn vehicles that were dirty and the stench inside nauseating. And the cost was more than the Sidecar "suggested" prices that are "voluntary". I hope this grows quickly...let people that own nice vehicles and pass background checks (not sure all cab drivers do) use their vehicles to the benefit of others. Bring it on Sidecar!