TS ride sharing program launched

From The Battalion

By Calli Turner

Published: Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Transportation Services announced the launch of a ride share program June 1. AlterNet Rides is available for students, staff and faculty and is a way to save money, make friends and be kind to the environment, according to Transportation Services.

To participate in the free program, students, faculty or staff must create a login ID with a valid email account. Users list the departure and arrival destination, whether offering or in need of a ride, frequency and travel times. Users may specify smoking and radio preferences and the amount of money expected to cost for each trip.

Patrick Unger, a sophomore electrical engineering major, said the time is right for the ride-share program.

"I could see with the fuel costs going up that it would be helpful," Unger said.

Sixty rides were listed as of 7:20 p.m. Tuesday. Users are seeking and offering rides from Bryan-College Station and across Texas.

Rose Bernardy, a Somerville, Texas, resident who works for Dining Services, said she was pleased to hear that rides are offered for areas outside Bryan and College Station.

"There's some people that live in Caldwell that can't even afford the gas to come to work," Bernardy said.

According to the AlterNet website, safety is not guaranteed and the following tips are provided: Get the rider's full name and address, verify where they work, make sure their driver's license and insurance are valid, ask for referrals and meet in person before commuting.

https://www.thebatt.com