Idea Description
Slugging is a term used to describe a unique form of commuting often referred to as "Instant Carpooling" or "Casual Carpooling". It's unique because people commuting into the city stop to pickup other passengers even though they are total strangers! I propose profiting off those who would slug were it not for the negative aspects. Cell phones along with Google, Yahoo, Ebay, or Microsoft, a Slug Taxi could pick up a rider and deliver them to their location for a fee. Those phones can also track the accounts. The currency can be cash, partner credits (freq flyer miles, ring tones, movie tickets, for example). Eventually entrepreneurs would provide the best service for the lowest price.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
With $10K I would tool up for the next level, wooing venture capitalists. Slugging is already common in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. I think I would consult the creators of those groups and try to start a slugging group in Detroit (where I live). I know enough people here to network my way into the muckity mucks at GM, Ford, and Chrysler and see if they might have a stake in this. My pitch? With fewer cars in the world, isn't the American car maker better able to provide the LARGE, multi-passenger car required for slugging?
Vote for it now.
I think the goal of ride sharing is worth thinking about. Not sure about what you're thinking to meet that goal.