A new online service in Australia is using GIS technology to help commuters share transport options.

GreenRide Connect was developed to reduce single-passenger journies. The web-based platform identifies individual options for carpools, vanpools, bicycling, park-and-ride facilities and public transport.

Tony Gale, program director for GreenRide from developer Ecology and Envionment, said that the system will help develop more efficient use of existing transportation infrastructure, which may save billions of dollars and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and time spent in traffic.

"Making more efficient use of existing transportation infrastructure and saving billions of dollars otherwise allocated to road construction and parking costs, while reclaiming time spent in traffic and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are the key aims of the GreenRide suite of solutions,” he said.

GreenRide Connect has also been launched in 22 states across the US, as well as in Canada and New Zealand.

Users can follow the tracking of their environmental, energy and economic savings, while being able to manage and participate in commuter challenge and incentive programs.

In the city of Redmond, Washington, GreenRide claims the system has eliminated 1.5 million vehicle trips, saved more than 2 million gallons of fuel, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 22,000 tonnes.

The system includes personalised weather and traffic alerts, social network integration, toll lane management and verification, and access via smart phones.

More information is available at www.greenride.com.