*By Jacqueline Corba*
Google's navigation app Waze expanded its carpool service on Wednesday to reach commuters across the U.S.
"We want to help everyone reduce traffic," the company's head of carpool, Josh Fried, told Cheddar Rides.
Only 8 percent of commuters are carpooling, according to Waze data. Fried said if the company can boost that figure to double digits, it will be able to make a dent in traffic congestion.
In the past, Waze has only been available in [13 U.S. states](https://cheddar.com/videos/how-to-make-money-on-your-commute) in addition to markets in Brazil and Israel. Now the service will be available anywhere in the U.S.
The nationwide launch comes just 6 months after a relaunch of the app, which was initiated after the company realized the importance of an interpersonal connection, Fried said.
"It's not blind-matching anymore," he said. "It's really about making connections for commuters that live near where you live or work near where you work."
Waze's carpool service offers riders an affordable trip and reimburse drivers for gas.
For the launch, Waze was able to rely on the deep pockets of parent company Google, a unit of Alphabet ($GOOGL).
Fried said 1.3 million of Waze navigation app users have, as of this week, opted in for adding the carpool app to their devices.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/googles-waze-takes-carpooling-service-nationwide).
Watch Duty CEO, John Mills, talks to Cheddar about how the app works, how it helps people in real time and how people can donate to help those affected.
JP Richardson, CEO at Exodus, discusses bringing Exodus public, his thoughts on the future of crypto markets, and tips to take the first steps into the space.
Jonathan Alter, journalist and author, discusses Trump's threats to take back the Panama Canal, unraveling foreign policy work done by Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Curious as to what your latest streaming bundle will look like? Find out what the future of media looks like from Ken Leon, Research Director, at CFRA. Watch!
Nathan Bomey, Reporter at Axios, discusses where Tesla stands, Musk's relationship with the incoming president and expectations for Tesla throughout 2025.
Senior Writer at Fast Company, Elizabeth Segran, discusses how Sephora has become the dominant beauty retailer and why brands want to sell there. Watch!
Matt Calkins, CEO of Appian, breaks down the recent bipartisan report on AI safety and shares thoughts on future privacy enhancements needed in the space.
