Zimride Goes Online, Connects Mason's Commuters for Ride-Sharing

The new ride-sharing service allows those commuting to campus to connect with one another, and is eco-friendly. (Screenshot)

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UPDATED 3:10 a.m. 

In addition to the new faculty and staff carpool and fuel-efficient parking programs, George Mason University is introducing a new eco-friendly way to commute to campus: ride-sharing.

The program, called Zimride, is similar to a former car-sharing program at Mason called Zipcar — used to provide driving plans and cars for university drivers over 21 years of age.

But what’s the difference? 

According to Transportation Coordinator Bob Tennant, Zimcar only provides rides, not cars.

“Zimride is simply a ride sharing program where riders log onto the website, post their rides or requests, and Zimride helps match with rides posted,” said Tennant. “This will work for regular commutes as will as single rides — to a concert, or home, wherever home is. Only people with a gmu.edu address can access this unique site, and [they] will be matched with someone from the Mason community.”

In short, what Zimride does is connect drivers who commute to the Fairfax campus from various areas, including but not limited to Falls Church, Manassas Park and Arlington.

Zimride is the largest dedicated carpool technology company in North America with over 300,000 users and has created carpool communities for over 40 of the nation’s most established universities.

Users sign up and input their commuting addresses and departure times into Zimride’s website and can view others commuting from the same area. Historically, some drivers request a weekly commuting fee.

Some potential riders have mixed reactions. Some are weary of the change, citing concerns of riding with strangers.

Zimride users do have a chance, however, to connect with one another on a Facebook group in order to get to know each other before jumping into a commuting relationship.

Other students have different doubts.

Transfer student Stephanie Webber, a former student at Ohio State where a similar car-sharing program was implemented, says the program was shut down.

“It was not very popular,” said Webber. “All of the housing in Columbus was within walking distance from campus or connected by a shuttle. I never saw any ads.”

“I think there are plenty of transportation methods available already,” said foreign languages major Braden Cohen. “Although, I’ve never been without a car while at Mason.”

The service began last week, and can be accessed online at http://zimride.gmu.edu.