July 23, 2025

New Carpooling App Launched for College Students

News Summary

Ridely, a new carpooling app created by USF graduate Unique Alston, aims to connect college students for affordable transportation. The app matches students with drivers in real-time, allowing for ride sharing that addresses the transportation issues faced by students lacking vehicles. With safety features and flexibility in pricing, Ridely strives to create a community among users while reducing transportation costs. The service will initially focus on the USF campus and plans to expand to nearby colleges, facilitating a nationwide network tailored for students.

Tampa, FL – A new carpooling app called Ridely has been launched by Unique Alston, a graduate of the University of South Florida (USF), with a focus on connecting college students for transportation. Ridely’s design specifically addresses the transportation needs of students who may not own vehicles or find traditional rideshare options prohibitively costly.

The app operates in real-time, allowing students to find rides to and from campus at predetermined times. Users enter their destination, and the app processes this information to match them with drivers already en route. Ridely uses a percentage match system to identify potential passengers and drivers, where a 100% match indicates that both parties are going to the same location at the same time.

Drivers on the platform have the flexibility to establish their own rates through an innovative algorithm that determines price ranges based on several factors. This provides a level of affordability for students needing transportation and enables drivers to make a fair income based on their travel schedules. Additionally, drivers have the ability to accommodate multiple passengers, whether they are grouped or individual students traveling nearby.

To ensure a safe transportation experience, Ridely implements several safety features. Users must verify their accounts using a college email address, which helps maintain a sense of security within the community. Furthermore, the app includes verification codes for pickups to confirm the appropriate matches between drivers and passengers, along with an SOS button for emergencies.

Initially, Ridely will focus on expanding its services within and around the USF campus, with plans to include the University of Tampa and other nearby colleges. Alston envisions a nationwide network tailored for college students, facilitating transportation across various campuses throughout the United States.

While developing Ridely, Alston plans to attend graduate school at USF next year, managing both his academic pursuits and the business venture simultaneously. Alston’s dedication to the app stems from his understanding of the unique challenges students face regarding transportation, which often goes unacknowledged in larger rideshare policies.

In addition to connecting students for rides, Ridely aims to foster a sense of community among users. The application encourages interaction, not just for carpooling, but also as a platform where new friendships may form among students sharing similar routes.

The advent of Ridely comes at a time when college students increasingly seek alternatives to traditional forms of transportation due to budget constraints, environmental concerns, and a growing awareness of community-building practices. This carpooling app presents an opportunity for students to collaborate in their daily commutes while alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with other transportation methods.

With the rise of technology-driven solutions, Ridely represents a significant addition to the available resources aimed at enhancing the college experience. As students continue to navigate their educational journeys, services like Ridely stand to play an essential role in connecting them in practical and innovative ways.

In summary, Ridely offers a promising new approach to college transportation. By connecting students through a user-friendly app that incorporates safety measures and cost-effective options, Unique Alston’s initiative could transform how students commute to their campuses in the future.

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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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