Carpooling goes online in digital age

Zimride reportedly is used by about 80 colleges and universities.

Just in time to confront the latest jump in gasoline prices, Illinois State University is joining with other universities that are using an online ride-sharing company to make it easier for students, faculty, and staff to carpool.

All but gone are the days when students tack notes on bulletin boards asking for or offering rides. Like many other activities, ride sharing has gone high-tech.

As a result, ISU is paying about $15,000 to partner with Zimride to help commuters connect through the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. The effort was launched Feb. 28, with eMails going out campuswide.…Read More