Locals seeking a ride to a U2 concert, a Nationals game or to a political event can now thumb a lift online in a new high-tech version of the community bulletin board.
Users must create a free account on Commuter Connections at commuterconnections.org.
Edit the “Event Profile” to select events for ride matches. Commuter Connections will be adding events to the database, but users can also submit events.
Those seeking a shared ride can choose to leave from work or home, then the system shows the closest matches on a Google map.
Users can click on the matches to e-mail the drivers offering rides.
Commuter Connections, the regional network of transportation organizations formed to reduce the region’s congestion, said Wednesday that it is extending its online commuter ride-matching system to include special events, in addition to weekday commutes.
The idea is to help fill the holes left by the public transportation network in which many buses or commuter trains operate only during rush hours, stranding those who attend nighttime sporting events, public meetings or performances. In the process, the program also aims to reduce the number of solo drivers on the traffic-clogged roads.
“Commuter Connections hopes that the events ride-matching feature will not only reduce traffic congestion around many of the region’s entertainment and sports venues, but that it will also allow area residents to attend events that were previously inaccessible due to transportation limitations,” said Director Nicholas Ramfos.
Other services also exist to connect riders and drivers. But the Commuter Connections site includes Google maps to show the closest matches and a list of local events. The group has been working with the Nationals baseball team to include the home game schedule, and, Ramfos said, organizers plan to work with other venues, as well.
Commuter Connections has been offering online tools to commuters for years, he said, but created a more interactive site in September to help connect those who wanted to car- or vanpool.
The program has about 30,000 in its network, Ramfos said, and they successfully match about 42 percent of riders. About 12 percent of the region’s 3.6 million daily commuters carpool to work, he said.
