This week, area students will be moving in at Illinois State University, and students have the opportunity to save gas money through a new program the university has implemented.

In February, ISU introduced a ride-sharing program called ZimRide. Julie North, Director of Parking and Transportation at ISU explains ZimRide is the largest ride-sharing program in North America. She says new students to the university will be introduced to it first at  their orientation.

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The program uses a Facebook platform and students or faculty are able to use the program. It is as easy as logging in using the ISU login information and then posting information you want to share about where you are heading, how many passengers you can take, and North says you can even post charges for gas money for a ride. She says it will then match match your ride with people you are seeking to give a ride to.

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Many users or even parents may be worried about how safe a network like this can be. According to North, each user has a profile and anyone can make permanent comments towards individuals who may or may not have been good passengers or transporters. Users can also post things about themselves they like or things they do or do not allow to happen in their vehicle.

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North feels this is a great opportunity for students to save gas money and even network with other students. The program is completely free and again only students or faculty with ISU login information can use the program.

To learn more you can visit zimride.illinoisstate.edu or search zimride on Facebook. To talk to Julie North for more details you can contact her via email. Her email address is jenorth@ilstu.edu.