Ground Transportation

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the ground transportation sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on car rental, ride-hailing, taxis and rail. 

Cruise autonomous vehicle brand tops up earlier round with new $750M investment
News / Technology
Cruise autonomous vehicle brand tops up earlier round with new $750M investment
By Kevin May | April 20, 2021
In January this year, Microsoft led a $2 billion funding round as part of a long-term strategic relationship to accelerate the commercialization of self-driving vehicles. Read More
Expedia unveils rebrand in major push to capture travel demand
News / Online
Expedia unveils rebrand in major push to capture travel demand
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2021
Expedia is debuting a new look and product offerings on its quest to become consumers’ "ultimate travel companion." Read More
marriott-uber
News / Online
Marriott partners with Uber to expand Bonvoy loyalty program
By Jill Menze | April 15, 2021
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points by ordering food delivery via Uber Eats or requesting select Uber rides. Read More
As ride-hail companies recover, there are too few drivers to meet demand
News / Online
As ride-hail companies recover, there are too few drivers to meet demand
By Dawit Habtemariam - BTN | April 15, 2021
Ride-hailing companies are reporting a shortage of drivers as demand for their services picks up. Read More
Grab files for IPO through SPAC partnership with Altimeter
News / Online
Grab files for IPO through SPAC partnership with Altimeter
By Kevin May | April 13, 2021
Grab is expected to be valued at almost $40 billion as a result the IPO announced today and slated to run under the ticker "GRAB" in the coming months. Read More
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
By PhocusWire | April 9, 2021
The best hope that anyone can have right now is that people will actually come through on the industry's desire to capitalize on pent-up demand AND do so in a way that at least illustrates signs of a... Read More
Tier acquires Makery to establish central Europe hub for e-scooters
News / Startups
Tier acquires Makery to establish central Europe hub for e-scooters
By Linda Fox | April 9, 2021
Tier plans to launch is e-scooters in Budapest following its acquisition of software development specialist Makery. Read More
Stay home or venture out? How consumers view post-vaccine travel
News / Online
Stay home or venture out? How consumers view post-vaccine travel
By Jill Menze | April 9, 2021
As the vaccine rollout continues, questions arise around what travel will ultimately look like – and how businesses can compete - in this new environment. Read More
travelport-plus-launch
News / Distribution
Travelport unifies services in new Travelport+ platform, replacing three legacy brands
By Mitra Sorrells | April 7, 2021
CEO Greg Webb says the new Travelport+ platform better positions the company to serve "the blossoming retail structure of travel." Read More
gazal-startup-funding
News / Startups
Saudi Arabian startup Gazal raises $2M to expand micromobility services
By Mitra Sorrells | April 6, 2021
Gazal offers dockless bikes and e-scooters in cities around Saudi Arabia and plans to expand throughout the region. Read More
Google Maps adds augmented reality for airports and stations
News / Online
Google Maps adds augmented reality for airports and stations
By Linda Fox | March 31, 2021
Google Maps says it's making 100 AI-led improvements this year. Read More
JetBlue launches new travel site for customers to book hotels, car rentals
News / Online
JetBlue launches new travel site for customers to book hotels, car rentals
By Jill Menze | March 25, 2021
Called Paisly, JetBlue's new travel website lets consumers book hotels, car rentals and theme park tickets after they've purchased a flight. Read More
hopper-170m-hopper-cloud
News / Online
Hopper closes $170M funding round, creates new B2B offering with Capital One as first partner
By Mitra Sorrells | March 24, 2021
Hopper is kicking off an ambitious growth plan that includes the launch of Hopper Cloud, selling its infrastructure, agency content, financial technology and data science capabilities to other travel... Read More
Cruise acquires Voyage to boost autonomous driving development
News / Technology
Cruise acquires Voyage to boost autonomous driving development
By Linda Fox | March 24, 2021
    Cruise was acquired by General Motors in 2016, in an agreement that was reported to be worth more than $1 billion. Read More
Blacklane signals hailing expansion and sustainability push with €22M investment round
News / Online
Blacklane signals hailing expansion and sustainability push with €22M investment round
By Kevin May | March 24, 2021
The new round will be used to investment in local and regional rides and the development of sustainable transportation. Read More