NCSU grad creates new ride-sharing service for students

Co-founder Arjun Aravindan created the new service, Campus Cruizer, last year after earning a computer science degree from N.C. State.

“I’ve made about $100 in four hours, which has been great,” N.C. State junior Lauren Ball said. “It’s nothing like any of the jobs I’ve had in college.”

The new service is her transportation between classes, and it’s how she makes a little money on the side.

Aravindan said the app works by entering a current location and destination, and GPS is used to find fellow students who are driving.

Since last year, about 1,000 students have registered, and 40 work as drivers.

Ball said she likes that students are riding with fellow students.

“The couple of times I’ve used Uber, it’s been a little awkward,” Ball said. “Every time I’ve done Cruzier, it’s great. It’s somebody your age, and it’s worked out really well.”

Aravindan said Campus Cruizer is also about 10 percent cheaper than using Uber. He said he hopes the success on campus is the start of something bigger.

“We really see the need for this at college campuses across America, and we're really excited to take it there,” Aravindan said.

The focus of the new service is to give students a safe ride back to campus on weekends and to reduce drunken driving.

All student drivers are screened and have safe driving records, according to Aravindan.

The Campus Cruizer app is available on iPhone and Android devices.