[Winona] Sharing rides

[MJ Greenwald]

[Winona Online Democracy]

Hello:   Several online democracy users have expressed an interest in carpooling, given rising gas prices.  There are actually a number of compelling reasons to consider carpooling, or sharing rides, including saving on the wear and tear on your vehicle, meeting people, reducing the hassle of certain types of travel, reducing traffic, reducing pollution, etc., etc.  You might share rides for the daily commute, or you might want to share a ride to Minneapolis, Chicago, etc., for a one way or round trip journey.  In Winona, a vital ridesharing program could build our sense of community.   I have been surveying some of my neighbors in the Wincrest area for opinions about sharing rides.  There is a great deal of interest and support for the general idea.  However, when it comes down to the kinds of rides an individual might actually wish to share with others, people are considerably more hesitant.  We are all accustomed to using the car not only for functional purposes, but as an _expression_ of our spontaneity.  Sharing rides with others will require us to modify these habits.    The computer offers us an opportunity to match myriad rides we need or are willing to share.  The more people in a single location who register on a computer ridesharing site, the greater the number of potential matches.   I have researched a number of rideshare/carpooling sites.  I am willing to put some time and energy into exploring and promoting the potential of carpooling in the Winona area.  I am interested in feedback from online democracy users.  Are you interesting in helping in this effort?  If so, please email me individually.    Among the several USA-based internet ride share sites, my personal favorite is www.erideshare.com.  I would be interested in any reactions to using this site for a Winona ridesharing campaign.  Another alternative would be to find a way to post rides wanted and offered on www.winonashares.org.  Obviously, the administrators of this site would need to agree to do this.   Thanks in advance for your ideas about this. Martha Greenwald

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