Launched at the Maison du développement durable, the platform was developed by Marc-Antoine Ducas, a 2005 Polytechnique computer engineering graduate. Accessible via the Internet and smartphone, Netlift puts passengers seeking rides to work or school in contact with motorists with extra places in their vehicle. For only a few dollars a ride, payable by secure electronic transfer, a passenger can also choose his or her driver using the Netlift “reputation index.”

This new tool will enhance the existing ride-sharing service available on campus. Currently, 1% of the Polytechnique community take advantage of this ride-sharing service, out of the 48% of the student body (39% of employees and 9% of students) who drive a car to and from school (Highlights, 2011 Origin-Destination Survey). The transportation sector is responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions in Québec, counting for nearly 40% of the total (Inventaire québécois des gaz à effet de serres, 2008). Polytechnique encourages its employees and students to share rides or use another form of sustainable transportation when possible, including public transit and active transportation, such as walking or cycling.

Polytechnique is now registered on Netlift as a participating organization, which allows all employee and student to have easy access to the service. To register, simply visit the Netlift site and create an account, free of charge, using your Polytechnique e-mail address. You will also need to enter your destination address. For both Polytechnique and Université de Montréal you can use 2900 Édouard-Montpetit Blvd.

You can also visit the Netlift Facebook page to find out more.