Critical Mass of Real-Time Ridesharing Building in Houston

HOUSTON, Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Avego recently joined forces with NuRide to offer its Houston members a new way to take advantage of HOV lanes, reduce carbon emissions, and save money on their daily commutes.

Avego's breakthrough real-time ridesharing system matches drivers and riders in real time as they travel, so you can rideshare whenever you want, from wherever you are.

Once a match is made, Avego manages the journey from pick-up to drop-off, providing real-time status updates, automated security features, and electronic micro-payments that allow riders and drivers to share the cost of a journey.

In just the first two weeks, over 120 Houston NuRide members have started using the technology, which includes an Avego Houston iPhone app designed specifically for NuRide members (available for download at http://tiny.cc/13mm2).

Over 1,000 convenient ridesharing stops in the Houston area are available, including Park & Rides, gas stations, restaurants, and more.

Eve Stokes, Vice President of Operations for NuRide, said, "Avego real-time ridesharing offers NuRide a unique way for our members to earn rewards for taking greener trips. We are delighted to introduce this capability, and by the results in the first two weeks."

Enthusiasm for real-time ridesharing among NuRide members is clear. Drivers have already picked up over 80 simulated riders during the first two weeks, with over 2,000 VMTs (vehicle miles travelled).

Jonathan Guard, Avego's Director of Strategic Partnerships, added, "Partnering with NuRide is a great way for us to build critical mass and expose commuters to the many benefits of real-time ridesharing. With hundreds of NuRide members using Avego in Houston, more and more riders will be able to rely on real-time ridesharing for their daily commute."

To see real-time ridesharing activity in Houston for yourself, check out Avego's Houston Ride Board. Simply press the "Ride" button on your Avego Driver iPhone app, or enter the URL "m.avego.com" using other smartphones, and type "Houston" as your location.

About Avego

Founded in 2007, Avego (http://www.avego.com) is a multinational company with offices in the United States, Ireland and China. Avego matches commuters with the wasted seats in cars, vans and buses, enabling an efficient, connected transport network used by tens of thousands of people around the world, while helping to save time, money and the environment.

About NuRide, Inc.

NuRide (http://www.nuride.com) is the nation's largest rewards program for individuals who take greener trips, which include walking, biking, telecommuting, carpooling, vanpooling, and taking public transportation. NuRide is a free service and is supported by sponsors who provide special offers to NuRide members for taking greener trips and reducing global warming, traffic congestion, and energy consumption.

SOURCE Avego