A new Ann Arbor business is bringing carpooling into the 21st Century - CarBuddy.com.  The site aims to make carpooling a breeze, matching local drivers and riders based on not only location but interests as well.  Don't like smoking or listening to the radio?  Easily find others with shared preferences going your way. Albert and Daniel Rodriguez hope to take the guesswork out of the sometimes painful process of securing a ride:

"Carpool candidates will complete a free registration and answer three Web pages of questions, specifying whether they want to be a driver or passenger. It calculates how much the wannabe- carpooler's current commute costs, taking into account gasoline prices and the depreciation of the specific car being driven. It uses that information to come up with how much passengers would pay drivers to share the commuting costs.  Passengers pay drivers through the Web site, which retains a small percentage of the payment as a fee."

CarBuddy.com will also verify driver's licenses and proof of insurance so you feel comfortable with your drivers.  The company will begin by servicing the metro Detroit area, including Washtenaw County.  They hope to hit critical mass and expand to other metro areas such as Miami, Dallas and L.A. Perhaps the neatest feature?  If your driver cancels last minute CarBuddy will pay for a taxi up to four times a year.  Take a look at this new local start-up and find out how you can reduce your Ann Arbor carbon footprint today. This is a perfect service for those entered in the GetDowntown Commuter Challenge! Contact Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts at 734-669-0337. Search all listings in Michigan with pictures and tours...Free! Kathy Toth & Team: Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Experts www.KathyToth.com Keller Williams Realty