According to Laquan Austion, founder of Two Birds, a rideshare and connection platform launching in January 2026, loneliness might be one of the defining issues of today. "People are more connected than ever, yet many still feel alone in their daily routines," he says. "Whether heading across town for work, running errands, or visiting a new place, it is surprisingly easy to spend an entire day surrounded by people but never truly connecting with any of them."
Two Birds is trying to change that by turning everyday travel into a chance for real conversation and community. Rather than treating a ride as something to simply get through, the platform encourages people to meet others who are going the same way and who are open to sharing part of the journey. The idea is simple. When the world feels disconnected, something as ordinary as a ride from one place to another can become a moment of genuine human contact.
"Two Birds invites users to enter their route and explore profiles of others traveling in the same direction," says Austion. "Instead of endless scrolling or long introductions, the process is straightforward. If two people feel comfortable and interested in meeting, they can choose to share a ride." The app places a strong emphasis on safety and transparency, allowing users to browse interests, see verified profiles, and feel fully in control of their choices.
"I hope this helps evolve the rideshare space," Austion says. "Two Birds sits on top of existing rideshare platforms, and connects users to people who share similar interests, whether that's in their personal or professional lives." According to Austion, for many people, the time spent in transit is usually time spent checking emails or just waiting to get to a destination. "Evolving the rideshare space, and placing human connection within it, is a way to use technology as a means of facilitating human interactions," he adds.
What truly sets the platform apart is its purpose. It is not designed only for networking, dating, or friendship. It is designed for people who want to feel less alone. Two Birds aims to support the kinds of casual, uplifting interactions that, according to Austion, many people used to experience naturally in daily life but now struggle to find.
"This focus matters because loneliness is not limited to any one group," he says. "It affects students adjusting to new cities, professionals working long hours, retirees seeking company, and people of all ages who simply wish they had more meaningful interactions woven into their normal routines. Even quick conversations with someone kind or like-minded can make a day feel brighter."
Two Birds was built to bring back that sense of everyday warmth. It does not require a major time commitment or a big social leap. It simply pairs people who are nearby, going the same way, and open to meeting someone new. A shared ride can lead to a pleasant chat, a new friend, or a small moment of connection that eases the feeling of going through life alone.
"One of the most appealing parts of the app is that it fits naturally into moments that are already happening," Austion explains. "People have to travel from place to place anyway. The difference Two Birds creates is that it turns these simple moments into small opportunities for community." This gentle approach aims to be a refreshing alternative in a world where social interactions can sometimes feel forced or overwhelming.
The app also helps users discover people they might never meet otherwise. Someone who is new to a city can find a friendly face and get local insights. Someone moving through a period of transition can talk to another person who understands. Someone who simply wants more human contact in their day can enjoy the company of someone else for a short time.
Two Birds does not promise lifelong friendships. Instead, it promises something smaller, but which for many could be incredibly meaningful. It offers a practical and welcoming way to feel connected again. "In many ways, it brings back the type of simple, everyday interactions that make communities feel alive," he says.
With loneliness being recognized as a growing challenge around the world, solutions do not always need to be enormous or complicated. According to Austion, sometimes they only need to help people see each other again. "We try to do that by turning rides into conversations, strangers into acquaintances, and daily routines into chances for authentic connection," Austion says.
He hopes that as more people look for ways to feel less isolated in their day-to-day lives, this new approach to social travel may offer a hopeful reminder. He states, "Good things happen when we least expect them, and our aim is to make them happen more often."
