Shared Travel - Pros, Cons and Risks

In recent years, ridesharing has become the preferred way to travel between cities in Bulgaria. If you've ever looked for a cheaper way to get from Sofia to Burgas, or back from Varna to the capital, you've probably come across ads in Facebook groups or ride-sharing forums. There, anyone with spare seats in their car can offer to share a ride for a nominal contribution to the fuel costs. Sounds convenient, right?

But behind this flexible and affordable alternative lie both positive aspects and not a few risks that many people don't think about. In this article, we'll take a look at all aspects of ridesharing, from cost benefits to personal safety. We'll give you a clear and objective idea of when it's worth opting for and when it's better to trust a professional and - most of all - licensed transport.

What is ridesharing?

Ride sharing is not a transport service in the classic sense. It does not involve licensed taxi drivers, bus operators or train operators, nor does it guarantee any standard of quality and safety. It is essentially a voluntary arrangement between people travelling the same route and willing to share fuel costs. In the most common case, one person posts an advert in a ridesharing group (most commonly on Facebook), where they indicate the route, date, time and number of seats available.

Those interested in joining are contacted via private messages or a comment below the ad. There is no middleman, no official booking, no rating system, guarantees or money back. There is only a personal arrangement between strangers who share a car and rely on the goodwill and honesty of others.

What are the pros of ridesharing?

Although it's not an official service, ridesharing has its advantages and these are what make it so popular, especially among young people and students.

1. Lower cost

The main plus, of course, is the price. If you need to travel from Sofia to Varna, you will pay significantly less with someone who has a free seat in their car than with a bus, train or taxi. In many cases, the final amount is even half the price of a bus ticket. This makes ridesharing extremely attractive for people who travel frequently but don't want to spend extra money.

2. Faster travel

When you choose a shared ride, you often move directly from point A to point B without having to stop at intermediate stops along the way, as is often the case when travelling by bus. This means you can save hours, especially on long distances like Sofia-Varna or Burgas, where buses usually stop at several different locations to pick up other passengers along the way.

3. Social element

Travelling with strangers is not always bad. It can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. Some people use shared travel as an opportunity to meet new people, create new working relationships, have pleasant conversations along the way and why not create friendships. Particularly on long journeys, the social element can make the time more enjoyable.

4. Flexibility in the organization

Unlike buses and trains, you have more flexibility when sharing a journey. The departure time is usually agreed between the participants, and the start and end points can be adjusted according to personal preferences. This creates a sense of personalized travel that traditional public transport can rarely provide. The only comparable exception is taxi services, where you also determine the route, intermediate stops and your final destination according to individual needs.

What are the cons and risks of ridesharing?

While there are a number of advantages to ridesharing, we should not overlook the real risks that come with it. Unlike regulated transport services, there are no rules, controls or guarantees. This means the responsibility falls entirely on you and your personal judgement. Here are the main cons to watch out for:

1. Lack of security

When you get into a car with a stranger, you can't be sure who's standing next to you. In ride-sharing groups, you only have the driver's profile, but no guarantee that there is a real person behind them. There is no mandatory verification or contract to protect your rights. Whether the driver is honest, whether he or she drives carefully, whether the car is roadworthy - these are all questions that can only be answered once you are on the road.

2. Last minute cancellation

As the shared ride is based on verbal agreements, there is nothing to stop the driver cancelling at the last minute. Sometimes this happens due to a technical problem, a change in plans or even for no specific reason. The consequences, however, remain with you - lost time, missed commitments and an urgent need for back-up transport.

3. Unpredictable situations on the road

Even when the journey starts normally, there is no guarantee that everything will run smoothly. It is possible:

• The driver decides to stop frequently along the way;
• changes the route on the move;
• picks up additional passengers that were not arranged in advance;
• there are conflicts between passengers or misunderstandings that create tension.

This makes the shared journey unpredictable and less enjoyable for you. In this case, you don't know exactly how long it will last, where the final destination will actually be and how the next few hours will actually go. Sometimes that's more than you're willing to risk.

4. Personal discomfort

Traveling with strangers can be not only uncomfortable, but exhausting. Differences in personality, music preferences, frequency of conversations, or even smoking in the car can turn an otherwise short drive into a long and uncomfortable experience. If you're an introvert or like to travel in silence and comfort, this type of journey might not be for you.

What are the alternatives - When is it worth choosing paid transport?

Ride sharing certainly has its place in the modern transport landscape, especially when it comes to quick, spontaneous and budget travel. But there are a number of situations where professional transport remains the better, safer and sometimes even more affordable choice, especially when you consider the risks we've outlined above.

When time is of the essence

If you have an important meeting coming up, a job interview in another city, an important event, or simply can't afford to be late, then proper planning and punctuality are key. Shared travel can rarely guarantee these 100%. Paid transportation, on the other hand, whether bus, train or taxi, has a clear schedule, regulations and accountability to the customer.

When travelling with children or elderly people

In such cases, comfort and safety come first. Many people wouldn't want to take the risk of getting into someone else's car with a child or elderly relative without knowing what the driver will be like, what the car is like, whether there will be suitable travel conditions, whether there will be breaks, etc.

When carrying valuable luggage

Traveling with luggage, especially when it includes machinery, musical instruments, display materials, or fragile items, requires special care. Not everyone will give you enough space in the car, or allow you to place things so that they are protected. With a taxi or professional transport, you can arrange special arrangements and rely on more assistance.

When you don't want surprises

Some people just prefer to know what they're going to get. With paid transportation services, you have a ticket or at least a confirmed price and service. You know who will be driving you, where it leaves from, where it stops, how much you will pay. This limits the stress of unforeseen situations and allows you to travel with peace of mind.

Travel wisely

Shared travel is a practical, economical and social solution that fits perfectly certain situations and traveler profiles. When budgets are tight and schedules flexible, it can be a great option. However, it's important to be aware of the risks: lack of security, unpredictability, lack of regulation and inconvenience along the way.

If comfort, safety and punctuality are a priority for you, then we would advise you to trust professional and licensed transport. Especially when you are travelling with children, luggage, for an important occasion or just don't want to take any chances.

Classic Taxi is by your side for the city and intercity journeys you are looking for:

• Professionalism;
• Predictability;
• Convenience and comfort during the journey;
• Fair treatment;
• Peace of mind that you will arrive on time and without compromise.