Lehigh University is partnering with a Rent-A-Car service to launch a new transportation option -- an online ride -- matching service that easily connects drivers and passengers heading to the same area, school officials announced.

The new Zimride option is available only to students, faculty and staff.  The offering is also part of the university's focus on sustainable transportation options, which combines car sharing, ride matching, university shuttle service and public transportation to meet the mobility needs of students.

"Zimride complements the other cost-effective and sustainable transportation options we offer," Robert Bruneio, manager of Transportation Services at Lehigh University, said in a statement. "In addition to its appeal for first-year students who don't have cars, this supports the transportation needs of commuter students and others who trek to and from the campus each day."

Bruneio noted that sustainability is a major focus for the University's Transportation, Transit and Parking Services department. For example, Lehigh University's car sharing program is offered through Enterprise CarShare, another service of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which launched more than five years ago. With the integration of Zimride, Lehigh University's car-sharing program is expected to grow in popularity as users enjoy more flexibility in sharing the cost of their short-term car rentals.

Enterprise, which owns Zimride, has been delivering transportation alternatives right where people live and work since 1957.

At Enterprise, we strive to be a total transportation solution for our customers by providing a range of sustainable options," said Ryan Johnson, vice president at Enterprise. "With Zimride, members of the university community can coordinate one-time travel plans, such as holiday-break rides, or ongoing rides and daily commutes to campus."

For more information or to access the Zimride network, visit zimride.com/Lehigh.