The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is expanding its Rideshare service.
The program was available only in Southeastern Wisconsin and the Madison-area, but Program Manager Karen Schmiechen says rising gas prices have prompted them to offer Rideshare to all parts of the state. The database will also include suburban areas near Wisconsin's borders with other states.
Rideshare allows users to go online and meet others who can share the cost of transportation. By entering their home and work address, along with their schedule, the system can match them up with people who have similar travel needs. Schmiechen says individuals can then set up a carpool on their own.
Schmiechen says the service has been very successful in urban areas, with over 5,000 drivers registered since it went online. She admits matching up people in rural areas may be harder, unless they're commuting to a nearby city.