An Internet networking site intended to help people organize rideshares is being unveiled in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, and many local officials hope the ease of arranging rides via the Internet will encourage more shared rides.
"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."
FULL STORY: An Internet option for metro commuters

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service