ride sharing network

implement a wide ranged open sourced ride sharing network in order to allow more people to function without having to own a car and minimize single occupant car trips. it could use popular technologies like gps enabled cell phones – you enter where you are trying to go, and the system looks at your location and finds drivers near your location who are headed in the direction you are going and alerts them to stop and pick you up at a specific location. the system could also automatically bill passengers per mile and compensate drivers, thus providing an incentive for drivers to participate and eliminating the need to exchange money. it could have a social networking component for those who are concerned about safety. it could also pre-screen participants for criminal records if needed. this system could also be used to deliver packages as well as people.