Is the price of gasoline not only slamming your wallet but getting you down? Maybe it would be a good idea to split the bill. Sharing rides allows commuters and travelers to share costs.

The Times-Dispatch is pleased to offer free ads to people eager to arrange rides. For instance, a person who drives from Brandermill to downtown could offer a seat in his car to someone willing to pick up a portion of the fuel tab. A person who drives from Wyndham to downtown could make a similar offer. The same principle would apply to those traveling greater distances -- to Northern Virginia, for instance, or Charlottesville, or South Hill.

The info appears in the Find/Classified section, on InRich.com (keyword: Rideshare), and in Centro and Brick; the ads can be taken out by those willing to drive and those preferring to ride. Participants might make new friends; an occasional shared trip might turn into a regular car pool. The ads are available for individuals, not for businesses. They can include five lines and can run for 30 days in The Times-Dispatch and on inRich.com and for four weeks in Centro and Brick. As mentioned above, they are free. Call 643-4414 for details, dial 1 for Classified.

And open your car door or stick out your thumb.