Ride-sharing program links students

Butte College is one of more than 75 schools and companies nationwide that have adopted Zimride, an online ride-sharing program that helps students and staff save money and the environment through carpooling, according to a Butte College press release.

Since its November launch, nearly 300 Butte College students and staff have used their Butte College e-mail addresses to register with the website, which offers an optional Facebook tool for those who want to schedule rides in a familiar venue. Through carpooling, those individuals have avoided driving an estimated 22,000 miles, and have prevented an estimated 17,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

In the midst of the holiday season, some students are using the program to travel to see family, too. Recent ride requests had origins in the Chico, Oroville and Paradise areas, and travel destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area.