Abstract: The invention relates to provision of services and methods and systems for efficient provision thereof. In an aspect, the invention is suitable for providing improved hire of transportation services by a user, or other services as described herein. The user makes a request for transportation service, a server prepares a ranked list of preferred service providers, and the server returns the ranked list to the user. Preparation of the ranked list of preferred service providers involves identification of providers associated with a network of users and other providers, and using a combination factor to rank the providers.