Thursday, April 3, 2008

U-M launches GreenRide ride-matching program


Learn about U-M GreenRide >

In a proactive step to provide additional options to get to and around campus, U-M has launched GreenRide, a Web-based, geographic information system (GIS) ride-matching application.

The program promotes alternative transportation by making it easy to find other individuals to share a carpool or vanpool. Designed by Ecology and Environment Inc., the service offers trip reduction solutions to more than 30 million people worldwide.

"The University's alternative transportation tool kit already includes vanpools, carpools, MRide, Zipcar, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycling and walking," says David Miller, executive director of Parking & Transportation Services. "GreenRide adds another new tool to the kit."

GreenRide helps a potential carpooler or vanpooler find ride-sharing partners by searching for other U-M staff who live close by or on the commute route and who have similar work schedules. Participants can use their U-M e-mail address to create an account or, for more anonymity, use a personal e-mail service. Participants will get a map of the general area showing potential ride matches near them and along their commute route, and it calculates potential fuel savings for the carpool or vanpool.

Effective July 1 the University's Carpool Program will allow fellow carpoolers to split the cost of one parking permit using payroll deduction. In addition, for a fee carpoolers will be able to request a reserved parking space. New University carpoolers will get a 10-percent reduction in the shared parking permit fee for the first six months (July-December) and they will be entered in weekly drawings for $25 gas card prizes.


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