Liftshare, the UK’s largest car-sharing community, has announced the launch of its first ever mobile app, developed in partnership with global marketing and technology agency DigitasLBi.

The app is the first activity to launch as part of DigitasLBi’s commercial partnership with Liftshare, one of the UK’s first ‘sharing economy’ brands, which will see the agency receive a portion of any revenues generated through consumer bookings.

Liftshare enables drivers and passengers to share a ride whenever they need to travel, allowing them to save money, help the environment and make connections with people.

The new mobile app, which is now available on the Android platform, makes it easy to find or offer a lift to any UK destination, with easy and secure payment functionality, and gives both driver and passenger support on the day of travel and beyond.

The launch of the app marks Liftshare’s evolution from an online community which matches drivers with passengers, to a fully-fledged marketplace supporting online booking, cashless payments, peer-to-peer messaging and status updates.

The app allows consumers to:

- Quickly see which drivers are going their way, whether they want to travel to work, a gig or a sporting event

- Offer a spare seat in their car for an upcoming journey at a fair price, with automated price recommendations

- Choose the best driver for their journey with in-app messaging, user reviews and verified profiles

- Make and receive payments securely

- Receive reminders and updates on the day of travel

The launch of the app is supported by a digital engagement strategy which aims to reach Liftshare’s core audiences of commuters; those who travel for leisure pursuits such as football and live music; and those taking weekend breaks or holidays.

An iOS version of the app will launch later this month.

Liftshare CEO Ali Clabburn set up the company in 1998 after using a car-sharing service in Germany, and has since built the brand to become a 400,000-strong community.

Ali Clabburn, CEO at Liftshare, said “Our vision for Liftshare is to solve transport poverty by being first to mind for anyone looking to go on a trip or journey. We’re delighted to be launching a new digital service to help us achieve that ambition.”

Anil Pillai, UK CEO at DigitasLBi, said: “We’re truly excited to be taking the first step on our digital journey with Liftshare. As one of the first ever ‘sharing economy’ brands, we believe Liftshare has real potential to become a household name. We’re confident that the launch of their new digital presence and our continued optimisation of the service using real-time data will help them to transform the way people travel.”