Getting a lift from the internet

UmCoche is a project devoted to lifts in and between 11 cities in Portugal – Vila Real, Braga, Porto, Covilhã, Aveiro, Viseu, Coimbra, Leiria, Lisbon, Évora and Faro. A few months ago, the idea was still in its infancy. For it to be implemented, 1,500 euros had to be raised through crowdfunding, which is exactly what was done. Now it’s all happening. In June, a beta version of the site was launched, with 110 routes defined.

At that time, the users of the facebook lifts group (with over 7,000 members) had priority in trying it out. Now it’s available for everyone who wants to take part. Joining this initiative not only helps everyone involved to save money, but it is also an experience, a way of meeting people and reduces your environmental footprint.

João, David, Francisco and Bernardo, the founders of the project, estimate that they have already arranged more than 24,000 lifts, without even having to stick out a thumb.

About the author

Hugo Filipe Lopes:Has a degree in sociology and a post-graduate qualification in clinical nutrition from the Egas Moniz Faculty. Collaborates with a number of online publications, a trainer and nutritional therapist. Honourable mentions in the Casa da Imprensa and Lisboa à Letra competitions..