The Office of Commuter Life at Montclair State recently presented students with a new app, RideShark, which is designed to make their daily commute easier and help cut down on carbon emissions.
Emily Inserra, coordinator for Commuter Life, explained the app.
“RideShark is the perfect platform for college students who want to do more than just get from point A to point B,” Inserra said. “Whether they’re driving to class or looking for a ride, RideShark connects them with fellow students to share rides, cut costs and reduce traffic congestion on campus. They can make extra money by offering rides, or make new friends by hitching a ride.”
To get started on the app, students must use their Montclair State email to create an account and profile.
“Students start by logging in with their Montclair [State] credentials and creating a profile based off their commute,” Inserra said. “From here, students can communicate and schedule rides through the app. You can join an existing trip or build one to fit your schedule.”
Although the RideShark app may have similarities to other ride-share apps, they are different, especially with their payments for drivers.
“We want to be clear that this app is not meant to substitute Uber or Lyft and should not be used this way,” Inserra said. “It is meant to be a carpooling service for a student who is coming to campus and is willing to offer a ride to other students. Drivers can set their own price or offer the ride for free. This app is not in any way looking to be a part-time job.”
The Montclarion conducted a poll asking commuter students if they would be open to using the RideShark app. The results showed that 56% of students were not open to using the app, while only 27% said they would show interest in trying it out.
Many students had concerns about the app, with a few believing it might cause more issues than it solves.
Alexander Fadil, a senior sports communications major shared his thoughts.
“I would not use the RideShark app because it has gotten much more difficult as a commuter to get to campus on time without leaving ridiculously early,” Fadil said. “This is due to the traffic and drastic parking situation. I can’t see how going out of my way to pick up other students would make that any easier.”
Some students think this could be beneficial and can have positive aspects.
Wendy Moise, a freshman psychology major sees potential in the RideShark app and its benefits for students.
“Honestly it’s a really good idea because as a commuter like paying for uber here is so expensive,” Moise said. “I think it’s also a way to give back to like students who are already like struggling for money or like trying to find a job or whatever like it’s a way that helps people mutually.”
Nick Scarpa, a freshman film and television major also agrees with Moise about the app’s benefits. “I think it’s cool,” Scarpa said. “I think it gives commuter students an opportunity to make a couple [of] extra bucks because being a commuter can be difficult.”
The Office of Commuter Life remains optimistic about its potential impact. “We are hoping that this app can help reduce carbon emissions with fewer drivers on the road, reduce on campus traffic and lessen the parking burden and provide a safe way for people to get to campus while making a friend along the way,” Inserra said.
