Abstract: In one embodiment a first transportation request is received at a backend server from a first device dedicated solely to functions associated with a transportation service, wherein the first device sends the first transportation request in response to a user pressing a button of the first device, wherein direct user input to the first device is limited to one or two buttons. In response to receiving the first transportation request, an account of the user is accessed to identify a geographical location associated with the first device. A driver associated with the transportation service is navigated to pick up the user at the geographical location associated with the first device.

Abstract: In one embodiment an event likely to be attended by a plurality of users of a taxi service is identified. A location of the event is determined and an end time of the event is estimated. Prior to the end time of the event, a plurality of drivers associated with the taxi service are directed to drive to the location of the event to transport passengers from the location of the event.

Abstract: In one embodiment a pickup location and a destination location associated with a subscriber to a first transportation service are accessed. A first route from the pickup location to the destination location is identified, the first route comprising a plurality of segments, wherein a first segment of the plurality of segments of the first route is to be serviced by a driver of the first transportation service using a first type of transportation vehicle, and wherein a second segment of the plurality of segments of the first route is to be serviced by a second transportation service using a second type of transportation vehicle. The driver of the first transportation service is directed to service the first segment of the plurality of segments of the first route.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises determining, based on one or more metrics indicative of passenger demand and driver supply, to send a first idle mode offer to a first driver, the first idle mode offer specifying compensation to be provided to the first driver for maintaining availability to service a transportation request for the transportation service; sending the first idle mode offer to the first driver; sending a transportation request to the first driver while the first driver is maintaining availability in accordance with the first idle mode offer; and providing an indication of a compensation amount to be awarded to the first driver in accordance with the first idle mode offer, the compensation amount based on a time that the first idle mode offer was accepted by the first driver and a time at which the transportation request was sent to the first driver.

Abstract: In one embodiment information regarding device activity of first subscriber to a transportation service is received. A backend server determines independent of a pending transportation request from the first passenger and based at least on the information regarding the device activity of the first subscriber, to send a driver towards a location based on the location of the first subscriber.

Abstract: In one embodiment a pickup location, a destination location, and a first arrival time associated with a transportation request received from a computing device of a passenger are determined. A first pickup time based on the arrival time and an estimated amount of time to travel between the pickup location and the destination location starting at the first pickup time is determined. A first surge pricing parameter associated with travel to the destination location starting at the first pickup time is estimated. A second pickup time associated with a second estimated surge pricing parameter and a second arrival time is determined, the second estimated surge pricing parameter lower than the first estimated surge pricing parameter. The second pickup time, the second arrival time, and the second estimated surge pricing parameter are communicated to the computing device for presentation to the passenger.

Abstract: In one embodiment an indication of a driver destination location is received from a driver associated with a taxi service. The driver destination location specifies a location that the driver desires to travel to after transporting one or more passengers. A passenger pick-up location of a first passenger is provided. The first passenger is selected based on the driver destination location and a destination location specified by the first passenger.

Abstract: In one embodiment a pickup location and a destination location associated with a subscriber to a first transportation service are accessed. A first route from the pickup location to the destination location is identified, the first route comprising a plurality of segments, wherein a first segment of the plurality of segments of the first route is to be serviced by a driver of the first transportation service using a first type of transportation vehicle, and wherein a second segment of the plurality of segments of the first route is to be serviced by a second transportation service using a second type of transportation vehicle. The driver of the first transportation service is directed to service the first segment of the plurality of segments of the first route.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a server comprising at least one processor, a transportation request from a computing device of a passenger, the transportation request specifying a pickup location; and determining, by the server, a surge pricing multiplier and a surge pricing cap for the transportation request based on the pickup location, the surge pricing cap representing a maximum amount of a fare for the transportation request that is subject to a surge pricing surcharge.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for a communication system that can be configured to receive a request for a service from a user, communicate to the user details about a specific service provider that will fulfill the requested service, determine a location of the user using a location module, and notify the user when the user is proximate to the specific service provider that will fulfill the requested service. Further, the communication system can be configured to notify the user when the user is not proximate to the specific service provider that will fulfill the requested service. In an example, the specific service provider is a transportation provider.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) of an application is provided to a user. A user input indicating a request for a demonstration of an online transportation ordering process is received via the GUI. In response to the user input, the demonstration is presented to the user using the GUI. The demonstration includes obtaining the geographic location of the user, displaying the geographic location of the user on a map, and displaying a simulated movement of a transportation entity toward the geographic location of the user on the map. An additional GUI of the application may also be provided to the user. The additional GUI includes a map that indicates the location of the user and one or more transportation entities in the vicinity of the user. The application may accept user input selecting one of the transportation entities and the application may transmit a request for transportation to a server.