TripVerde, a ride-sharing facilitator based in Austin, Texas, is offering a service to match car drivers with prospective passengers to Barack Obama's inauguration in Washington on Jan. 20.
People interested in trekking to the event via carpool can register with TripVerde at www.obamainaugurationrideshare.com. After setting up an account with a minimum $25 deposit, they can post their ride or drive request.
While some of the functionality of booking a ride or finding passengers is handled online, TripVerde says that a key part of its service is RideJockey, "a real human who uses technology to match riders with drivers, while maximizing safety."
No word yet on whether TripVerde is seeking an Obama endorsement, but company CEO Scott Willis states that its "ride-sharing program is in line with the Obama administration's top priorities of climate change and the economy."
Personal transportation is a key contributor to global warming. Ride-sharing saves money, gas and emissions, period," he said.