Bla Bla Car: 8 advantages and disadvantages of traveling with this system
The global economic crisis that we suffered from the year 2008, has made wonderful minds and entrepreneurs to develop innovative production systems to date. Bla Bla Car is not an exception .
This revolutionary start-up now has millions of users consuming its extensive transport network throughout Europe.
Bla Bla Car was born just in 2008 in France, by the hand of Frédéric Mazzella, Francis Nappez and Nicolas Brusson. The main idea was to share the private transport vehicle in short segments, such as a student going to the faculty by car who decides to invite other travelers in exchange for distributing the expenses.
Why choose Bla Bla Car?
There are many benefits to use the Bla Bla Car transport platform. These are not purely economic or savings in expenses, but also contribute to an altruistic education of society and a more serious care for the environment.
8 advantages of using the service
In this section we list the positive contributions and advantages that are generated when using Bla Bla Car.
1. Efficiency in energy consumption
During the last century, the world's biggest crises developed due to the dependence on oil worldwide, as even clothing has chemical compounds derived from petroleum, passing through plastic bags to the use of fuel for cars.
That's why, Bla Bla Car allows you to reduce gasoline consumption by up to 70 percent , since sharing a vehicle with more people avoids the use of a second.
2. Ecology
As with the case of fossil fuel consumption, the less individualistic the use of the private vehicle, the more careful we will be with nature when emitting less CO2 emissions and other toxic fumes derived.
3. Redistribution of expenses
Nowadays the roads have become a practically luxury good, with maintenance fees that are exorbitant in some cases, especially in countries such as France, Spain or Italy.
With Bla Bla Car we are presented with the opportunity to share those extra expenses and road imperatives , especially if we make long journeys, where in some cases additional taxes are paid at the customs only for entry to the foreign country.
4. Non-existent competition for transport companies
Due to the nature of the service, which is purely private, the driver or owner is not remunerated in any way, as European legislation prohibits it , thus avoiding unfair competition towards companies in the transport sector.
Remember that Bla Bla Car is different from other services such as Cabify or Uber, platforms where they participate in the legal market and prices are regulated based on competition such as taxi or bus service.
5. Security
The Bla Bla Car platform is regulated by European laws that contribute to the protection of both users and owners . The profiles of both participants are verified through bank accounts, telephone records and GPS tracking.
In addition, the company has its own insurance in case of accident and other inconveniences that may arise if some of the parties is affected.
6. Transparency
All information regarding the Bla Bla Car transport service is publicly displayed , where users share their experiences in social networks, value drivers and recommend (or not) their use.
7. A way to socialize
A road trip can be as monotonous and devastating if done individually . On the other hand, by sharing the experience of traveling on the road with people who are still outsiders, it represents an added value to the product. Since the profile of the user is certified, it is quite convenient to be able to choose the company that we want to invite.
8. Collaborative economy
Bla Bla Car emerged from need, like all innovation . In this way, a new economic model based on altruism, trust and solidarity has emerged. It is extremely difficult to convince the private user to share their belongings, but thanks to initiatives, the collective is the final beneficiary.
8 drawbacks to consider
Like everything in this life, every activity has its deficiencies and points of conflict. The eight most commented and that create more controversy are the following.
1. Wrong company
Even the most philanthropic and charitable idea has its most unexpected drawbacks . One of them is that although the profile seems compatible with ours, in reality we can find an uncomfortable travel companion. And this is an ordeal if the journey is of long duration.
2. Time incompatibility
Although Bla Bla Car has a wide network of vehicles available, often users complain about lack of compatibility with the desired times . In many occasions consumers are conditioned by this lack and choose to refuse the service permanently.
3. Payment method
Bla Bla Car started with a very traditional payment system, in cash to contribute directly to the driver the same day of the trip. There are opinions for all tastes, but none leaves anyone indifferent. Many users do not own the coin in plastic and, some drivers prefer cash payment .
4. Communication between driver and passenger
For many occasional Bla Bla Car travelers it is a confidence value to be able to communicate directly with the driver they are going to have, but the platform does not allow this function until the moment of payment .
5. Rejection by the driver
Perhaps it is one of the most acclaimed inconveniences for all users. In some cases the drivers do not confirm the reservation of the service until the day of the trip and, on other occasions, they refuse to perform the service for unknown reasons. This reduces confidence and generates doubts for potential customers.
6. Abuse of the application
The main idea of Bla Bla Car is to develop a source of sustainable and collaborative economy, but more and more owners use the platform profitably and, in some exceptional cases, in a reportable manner.
7. Fragile security
In no case the transport company is responsible for the veracity of the data of many profiles , especially as regards the driver, who is the key element of the service. Although the file is approved, Bla Bla Car can not ensure that the driver is a responsible entity at the wheel.
8. 10% commission
Recently, Bla Bla Car announced the increase in the price of the service, with a tax base of 10% on the final cost of each journey , and not for the total service that in some cases is round trip. The users reject the already approved measure and warn of the clientelism that this may generate, renouncing the basic principle with which it was founded.
