Google offers free taxis

California: Technology giant Google has patented a way of linking online ads to free or discounted taxi rides to the advertising restaurant, shop or entertainment venue, according to reports on BBC.

The transport-linked ad service could encourage consumers to respond more often to location-based special offers, experts say.

The Google self-driving car maneuvers through the streets of Washington DC - File photo/AFP

Algorithms would work out the customer's location, the best route and form of transport, Google said.

Analysts have welcomed the idea. Gregory Roekens, chief technology officer at advertising company AMV BBDO, told the BBC, “This is trying to turn advertising into a utility and remove barriers for consumers.