With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon this summer, many drivers are seeking ways to save money while commuting.-áBall State University instructor Pam Stigall has been searching for others to carpool from her home near New Castle to Muncie since last year. As part of this effort, Stigall is working with the university to create a Web site that would connect fellow drivers with one another.
Stigall said the increase in gas prices ignited her idea for a ride sharing program for the university's faculty and staff.-á
"It is costing me $50 at the current price of gas with my little 1993 Honda Accord, so I am not saving anything," she said.
After researching what other schools have come up with to relieve some stress among their faculties, Stigall said she was inspired by a Web site a fellow Indiana university faculty member created.
"I got on my daughter's school's [Web site], IUPUI, and they have a great ride sharing site, and it got me thinking," she said.-á"I listed an ad in the faculty bulletin board in February and again in May to no avail.-áI even drove around with a sign in my car window."
Although Stigall has yet to find anyone to ride along and ease the strain on her wallet, she said she has received many responses to her bulletin, which remains posted.
"I have about 20 e-mails from people in Marion, Indy, Fishers, Carmel and Richmond," she said.
Other Indiana universities have already made use of carpooling programs to benefit their faculty and staff. IUPUI provides access to Central Indiana Commuter Services where "ridematching software" pairs riders with others seeking the same destinations. Riders also can lease seven-, 12-, or 15-passenger vans to create what CICS calls a vanpool.
Purdue University's Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee had talks of a Web-based, rideshare program in Jan 2007, but the committee has "suspended efforts in lieu of a larger initiative by the university," CSSAC Chairman Gary Carter said.
Indiana University-Bloomington's Office of Parking Operations provides a carpooling program, which employees must register for in order to receive a carpool parking permit.-áAccording to Parking Operations, employees, instructors, graduate and research assistants may register with carpool partners or sign up as an individual in an attempt to be matched with riders with similar commuting needs.-áThe cost of the permit is divided between members of the carpool and deducted through payroll.
Providing permits to carpooling staff is one aspect Ball State's Parking Services is attempting to solve before beginning this program, and the university has left others to test the waters on what policies seem to work best, Stigall said.-á
"I thought we could be on the forefront with this," she said.-á"I think carpooling or ridesharing is not only going to be a necessity for our pocketbooks but will definitely help in the theme President Gora has set for an environment-friendly BSU."
Ball State currently has a rideboard Web site available to anyone with a Ball State username and password; however the Web site only processes information for rides to and from specific destinations.-á
"I tried to use this site, but it was only for Anderson, Muncie and Indianapolis," Stigall said.-á"It would not allow me to make a request. It is not publicized, and [is] used for students."
Stigall said she planned on meeting with Polly Booher, manager of benefits, to expand the project before school starts in August.-áUntil then, she said she would continue her search for those looking to save a few dollars at the pump.
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