Case Study: FREE NOW improves ETA accuracy with Google Cloud Platform

FREE NOW uses Google Maps Platform to save drivers and passengers time

FREE NOW, the multi-service mobility provider backed by BMW Group and Daimler AG, needed to improve driver location accuracy, estimated arrival times, and overall ride efficiency across its ride-hailing app. The company found its GPS-based navigation was causing inaccurate ETAs and forcing drivers to switch to other apps, which slowed service and hurt the passenger experience. It worked with Google Cloud Platform, using the Google Maps Platform On-demand Rides and Deliveries solution and Driver/Nav SDK, to address these issues.

Google Cloud Platform embedded turn-by-turn navigation directly into the FREE NOW app, giving drivers always-on, traffic-aware routing without leaving the app. As a result, ETA accuracy improved by an average of 23% and by as much as 48% in some cities, while average ride duration dropped by 4%. Driver locations also became more accurate, and the integrated experience reduced distractions and improved safety for both drivers and passengers.

Free Now

James Brooke

Chief Product Officer