A familiar scenario: Running late, someone starts their vehicle, and the engine doesn’t turn over. They begin to fret they’ll miss their class, their job or that party everybody has been talking about for weeks.

Then they remember, Zimride.com: Commuting made easy — or at least it would be if Wayne State, like the University of Michigan, joined the fray.

For a little more than a year, Zimride.com has provided a social network for students and workers with a new approach to public transportation. By setting up a free account online, users can request specific windows of time they need to depart and arrive at destinations.

It’s common knowledge that Wayne State is a commuter school. Just one glance at the back up on Lodge Freeway in the morning says it all. But the Student Senate has looked into a possible solution to the car-related problems with the help of Zimride.

In an article in “The South End” last November, Taylor Trammell asked the Senate about Zimride.

“I think this is beneficial for a commuter campus,” Student Senate President Amanda Carnagie said. “It’s almost like a social network. It matches up who has similar schedules. It’s almost like Match.com meets Facebook.”

Carnegie described the prospect as ”a very legitimate initiative” and “exciting.”

WSU senior Rupi Sekhon knows firsthand how stressful the drive to campus can be.

“I’d definitely have looked into it. Commuting from Plymouth isn’t that bad, but sometimes it’d be nice to not have to drive,” she said.

However, carpooling is not just about the driving; according to Zimride account manager, Amy Fox, it’s also about giving money back to the customer.

“Zimride enables schools across the country to offer a fun, easy and social rideshare program that helps put money back into the pockets of students and supports fostering a tighter campus community.

“Zimride has the potential to collectively save each campus population $190,000 on average with an annual carbon emission reduction of 300,000.”

Testimonials from across the country, including Zaida McCunny, staff member at Lawrence Berkeley Labs in California, offered praise.

She said: “I personally have saved $250 per month on commute costs. I leave work-related issues at the office because the gals in my carpool are fun, and we have a great time on our commute. Since Zimride, I am more energetic and productive at the office and home, so I reap many benefits from this program.”

Korin Franklin, a student from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, agreed.

“Zimride was super easy to use and matched me up right away with dozens of potential rides. I’ve met some awesome new people around campus while reducing my carbon footprint all at the same time. The best part is that it’s safe; only people from my campus network can see my information.”

Zimride.com has three types of commuter services: campus, enterprise and event. With a variety of set networks, Zimride offers public access for commuters who wish to find a more economically friendly and money-saving route to campus.