I’d bet that a program such as this (H/T Craig Newmark) would rival (if not exceed) the ridership on Houston Metro’s light rail line.

Slugging is a term used to describe a unique form of commuting found in the Washington, DC area sometimes referred to as "Instant Carpooling" or "Casual Carpooling".   It’s unique because people commuting into the city stop to pickup other passengers even though they are total strangers! However, slugging is a very organized system with its own set of rules, proper etiquette, and specific pickup and drop-off locations.  It has thousands of vehicles at its disposal, moves thousands of commuters daily, and the best part, it’s FREE! Not only is it free, but it gets people to and from work faster than the typical bus, metro, or train.  I think you’ll find that it is the most efficient, cost-effective form of commuting in the nation.

Here is the etiquette and rules of the process. Being a "slug" doesn’t sound all that bad! ;^)