I continue to be amazed at how technology is changing the way we travel. Car sharing services continue to pop up as higher demand causes more competition and better options and promotions for consumers.

You’ve already heard me talk about Lyft. Sidecar has now rolled into town too. Sidecar is similar to its competitors Lyft and UberX. The service is based on a mobile app you download.  One benefit of Sidecar is that you don’t have to connect your Facebook profile. I know a lot of people are concerned with privacy issues when connecting their personal Facebook profile to different applications. I also know a few people have decided to either cancel their Facebook profile or not sign up for one. Those people weren’t able to use some of the other car services, but Sidecar is accessible even without a Facebook profile.

Another benefit that Sidecar has over its competitors and even cabs is that you know the cost of your ride upfront and can agree to the price before riding.  This saves you from being too nervous that the ride will cost more if there’s traffic or if the driver gets lost. It also makes splitting the cost of a ride easier if you have more than one passenger.

Here are quick and easy instructions on getting signed up. It will take you about 5 minutes.

1. Download the Sidecar app on your iPhone or Android http://www.side.cr

2. You’ll be asked to sign up with all of your information. This includes your contact information and also your credit card number. Don’t worry though, you will never be charged unless you are notified beforehand to confirm the charge.

3.  To request a ride you will enter both your pick up and drop off location and receive a price.

4. After your request is submitted you’ll be matched up with a driver in your area. You’ll see a photo of the driver and their car. Then you can track through GPS on your phone their location and approximate arrival time.

5. Hop in your Sidecar and once you arrive, you’ll pay with the touch of a button.

If you’d like an even better explaination about Sidecar, here is an interview with Sidecar founder, Sunil Paul on Fox. I have partnered with Sidecar to offer free rides for first time users. After you download the app, there will be an area to enter a promotional code. Enter my code: MyMelodie and you’ll receive $20 for free off your first ride. $20 can get you a long way but you must remember to enter the code before requesting your first ride!

Have you tried Sidecar or any other car services? Let me know your thoughts. And remember use code: MyMelodie for $20 off your first ride! You must enter the code before requesting your first ride.