Forget zombie bites and pokes, Facebook now has an application called Carpool that is actually usefull.
This application allows people to post rides they need as well as rides they are offering.
Carpool started after regionally centered Facebook groups allowed users to communicate in order to carpool their rides.
These groups have been gradually phased out after the Carpool application was introduced.
Some of the regionally centered groups were run by the creators of the application, while others were independently run.
"We are trying to combine everyone's efforts so that we have the best system," said co-founder of Carpool, John Zimmer.
So far over 20,000 people have added the application with more users everyday.
"Carpool is a third-party service that helps users find others going in the same direction," Zimmer said.
The idea of Carpool came about when the founders wanted an application that would have an immediate economic impact.
This application created a safe, economically friendly way to carpool.
Now, Facebook allows users to see who the person is offering or asking for a ride.
"I believe the Carpool application has become so popular so fast because it is providing a useful and convenient service to students while allowing them to make a more sustainable and financially affordable decision," Zimmer said.
Most students want to make money, and giving a ride doesn't require a lot of extra work.
"I liked it when it was a Facebook group much better," said University of Wisconsin La-Crosse student, Erin Fischer. "I don't feel like as many people are using the Carpool application and I have a harder time finding a ride than when it was just a Facebook group."
"No one responded to me when I needed a ride in time, but it's cool to know it's available," said Northwestern College student, Vanessa Becker.
What the issue boils down to is that not enough students have added the application.
Although there are 20,000 users, they are spread throughout the country.
"No one has answered my posting and it has been posted for about three months. I can't say I've been successful," said Gustavus Alumni, Alysen Farran.
"We hope that using the service will demonstrate to students that being 'environmental' does not have to be inconvenient and involve making a sacrifice, but can actually improve one's quality of life," Zimmer said.
There are other applications on Facebook that have social interests in mind including the Causes Application.
Students can easily add this application by searching for it or by going to www.zimride.com.
Rebecca Cole is a Reporter staff writer
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