Ridesharing With The 'Net

"NuRide.com, an Internet-based ride-share program, helps drivers and riders arrange trips while earning points toward the purchase of incentives offered by corporate sponsors. Today, officials in St. Paul -- the company's first stop in the Midwest -- will tout NuRide at a news conference in Travelers Companies' downtown headquarters, where more than 2,000 employees have been encouraged to begin 'NuRiding.'"

"St. Paul Transportation Management Organization (TMO), a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Council, paid NuRide $50,000 to start its Twin Cities service in February."

"Anyone who lives or works in the seven-county metro area and has an e-mail address with a major organization -- usually work or school -- can participate."

"Since users communicate via e-mail and aren't required to give out phone numbers, NuRide is safe, said Alex Stokman, program director with the St. Paul TMO. She said that locating rides seems like a reasonable use of the Internet. 'Why not [use it] to get a ride to the grocery store or to work?' she said."