this is a product originally intended for a community with a common interest.
the driver of a car basically has a wireless router installed in his car, which has the basic capabilities of a small computer too. the driver marks his destination (either through his GPS system or a code such as city name)
,flips the 'available' button and goes on his way.
on the other side, a hitchhiker flips on his "thumb" , which is a small wifi card with a basic computer (or just his cellphone with a special software in it) , feeds his destination (same method) , and hopes for the best.
you can understand where this is going. you can add driver/passenger 'ratings' such as Ebay , to warn others of a notorious passenger, or have "filters" , for example by interests (perfer people who like cats) payment preference (free or small fee) ,languages spoken , etc.
I think this could make hitchhiking a marvelous experience , much like ICQ but in the real world.
now , added bonuses-
1- community radio broadcast - connect your device to a (legal?) radio transmitter and have the system download podcasts from other 'participants' at the red light (or by other ways), then transmit them at certain times ,creating sort of a viral ,distributed ,mobile renegade radio station. broadcast your own news over the BBC frequencies and never get 'triangulated' by communication authorities!
2- simpler than (1) , just have the system create an ad-hoc network for distributing your favorite media , with hitchhikers or with other participating vehicles.
if youv'e taken the time to read this please write your opinion..