Campus News
April 20, 2011
Social networking website connects carpoolers
Carpooling can sometimes be daunting, especially if the commute involves strangers. In a new partnership with Zimride, Emory commuters can connect with their friends, via a secure website, by using the first-ever social rideshare matching available in Georgia.
Zimride provides ride matching services to members within a community using social networking websites like Facebook.
"Emory already facilitates ride matching, but this service is mostly used by faculty and staff," says Lisa Underwood, Emory's associate vice president for parking and transportation. "The Zimride partnership allows for more student participation."
Emory's partnership with Zimride will transform carpooling into a reliable and efficient transportation option by supporting both one-time and regular commutes and integrating with transportation alternatives like the shuttle and vanpools.
"This service targets commuters living in a particular area of town who are commuting each day. It also provides matches for one-time trips, so a group traveling to a particular location can look for others who are interested in sharing the ride," continues Underwood.
Adding to the mix of options
Student Adam McCall is an advocate for the Zimride partnership. "It's is a great way to reduce traffic around campus and also to help students get around just by using the resources we already have on campus," he says.
In addition to Zimride, Emory offers a 100-percent alternatively fueled shuttle service, an extensive ride matching system for carpools and vanpools, a prevalent bicycling program and the car-sharing service Zipcar – already partnering with Zimride.
By using an authenticated email sign-up, it will now be easier and safer for commuters to share seats in their cars or to catch a ride.
"With gas prices rising, sharing costs by sharing the ride is smart and sustainable," says Ciannat Howett, director of sustainability initiatives. "Now, Emory is making it easier."
Zimride's online platform provides a portal to track usage, monetary savings and carbon footprint reduction in real-time.
"The emissions from tailpipes in Atlanta cause a lot of issues related to poor air quality. For example, in the summer, we have ozone levels that exceed the EPA health-based standards," adds Howett.
"It will help people do their errands, commute to campus and go home during breaks," says McCall. "Ultimately it will help Emory be a more livable place."
