Google's Waze Rider ride-sharing app is now available throughout the San Francisco area.

The app is designed to match riders and drivers heading in the same direction. While the app has features which are distinct from Uber, both companies are likely to battle for a common market. Google had been slowly rolling out the app in the past couple of weeks.

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According to The Wall Street Journal, the app can be used for requesting rides from drivers. Unlike Uber and Lyft, where the rides are carried out mainly by taxi drivers, Waze intends to match the people who are heading in the same direction. Currently, Google places a limit of two rides a day for every driver and rider.

Google is unlikely to ask drivers for any background checks as the company intends to only work as a platform for connecting people going in the same direction. This move will allow Google to sidestep regulatory scrutiny. The service is expected to be cheaper than Uber and Lyft as the riders are charged a maximum rate of 54 cents per mile. Similarly, drivers also stand to make less than what they would have made using other platforms.

Uber offers a similar service through its Pool service while Lyft has its Line service functioning in various cities including San Francisco and New York City. Google intends to expand its service to other cities once it proves successful in San Francisco. Google was an early investor in Uber through its venture capital arm, Google Ventures.