As gasoline prices steadily approach the $4-per-gallon mark, it is no secret that driving a car is the most expensive way to get around. As people seek out alternate modes of transportation so they can ditch their cars, bike ridership and transit usage have been sharply on the rise, as evidenced by recent Census data. Ridesharing, too, has become an increasingly attractive option. According to the Asbury Park Press, local carpool agencies in NJ have seen spikes in calls and website inquiries of up to 60% compared to last year.
Ridesharing is by no means a new idea and, in fact, has been promoted since World War II. But the role of technology in giving people access is an emerging trend.
Countless Craigslist-style websites allow those who need a ride to match up with those who have space in their cars, many times specifying if the need is one-time or on a continued basis and for trips as short as the other side of the neighborhood to as long as the other side of the country. In the tri-state area, there are several options–in New York, the state-operated site, which is set to be expanded this summer, is CommuterLink; the Connecticut DOT supports NuRide, which offers rewards for “green” travel; and New Jersey has eight Transportation Management Associations accessible through the NJDOT website.
Nearly every large metropolitan area has several websites dedicated to connecting people looking for rides, and many sites have expanded to more suburban and rural areas where it has become a vital transit resource for communities underserved by transit.
As smartphones become more apparent in everyday life, a new element has been introduced to the ridesharing experience. Startups like Avego have developed iPhone apps that will match drivers and riders in real time simply by entering a start and end destination–the app automatically matches users. While the pilot program is only available in Seattle, there are plans to expand to other cities. Because the pilot program is sponsored by Washington State, drivers are rewarded with gas cards for participation in the program. The flexibility of the program along with the safety that comes with having registered and verified users makes this type of program a real option for those who want to reduce their reliance on their cars.
Support for websites and smartphone apps that streamline the ability to secure alternate modes of transportation can, at a low cost, reduce carbon emissions, save people money and build a sense of community among those who utilize the service. With the costs of owning a car continuing to skyrocket, this may be the ideal time for this movement to really take off.
Richard Alicea is a TSTC graduate student fellow.
