KAYAK released a new version of its iPhone (News - Alert) application which will include ground transportation capabilities provided by GroundLink.
KAYAK is a search application which allows users to find prices for hotels, flights or other travel products. It helps find the correct option besides connecting with the airline, hotel or travel agent.
GroundLink and KAYAK have collaborated to integrate an API-based global marketplace for ground transportation. GroundLink’s global network covers over 5,000 airports, 15,000 cities and 45,000 providers, added company sources.
Alex Mashinsky, CEO of GroundLink said in a release, “This gives KAYAK users a great tool in situations when they need transportation but do not want to rent a car. Our offering allows people to find sedans, SUV’s and stretch limousines anywhere in the world.”
According to GroundLink officials its API, will be leveraged by KAYAK to easily integrate the GroundLink marketplace into their application. This will allow users to book services in three simple steps.
“We’re excited about the added flexibility this service gives to KAYAK Mobile users,” said Bill O’Donnell, KAYAK Chief Architect.
Highlighting GroundLink’s belief that ground transportation will be a huge grosser for ancillary revenues, Mashinsky stated that everyone in the travel industry is looking for additional revenue streams, especially untapped ones.
He pointed out that Ground Transportation was a multi-billion dollar global industry, that has not been given due importance owing to its fragmented nature. Also the travel industry did not focus on it as it was complex to offer consistent global service.
“Our technology and marketplace now allows any retail or corporate user to order ground transportation with less effort than renting a car,” Mashinsky added.
GroundLink is a travel technology company that aggregates, manages and executes limousine, taxi, shuttle, car-rental and public transportation services worldwide. The company provides individuals, corporations and partners with a single booking and reservation system for all forms of transportation, worldwide under one-account.
Retail Web sites like Limores Car & Limo Service, mobile apps, API’s and a proprietary marketplace are used by GroundLink to serve its clients. It has partnerships with Royal Caribbean (CCL (News - Alert)), JetBlue(JBLU), Continental (CAL), KAYAK and others.
Aircell a provider of in-flight connectivity, and GroundLink joined to provide air passengers with the facility to book ground transportation while they are in flight using Aircell’s Gogo Inflight Internet.
Want to learn more about M2M technologies? Then be sure to check out the M2M Evolution conference, collocated with TMC’s (News - Alert) ITEXPO East, taking place Feb 2-4, 2011, in Miami. The M2M Evolution Conference is for those industry professionals interested in capitalizing on a rapidly growing segment of the telecom industry. The M2M Evolution Conference embraces the any-to-any strategy of the Internet today. Co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media, it showcases the solutions, and examines the data strategies and technological requirements that enterprises and carriers need to capitalize on a market segment that is estimated to grow to $300 Billion in the year ahead. To register, click here.
Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Jamie Epstein