Drivers are warned not to expect to make any money

A website aimed at putting people who travel the same route to work in contact with each other went live on Monday.

Users supply their journey details and the system automatically finds the nearest matches on its database.

People can even list their preferences such as gender, whether they prefer non-smokers, and even choice of radio station.

The car share database is another tool in the kit available to help reduce single car commuting Councillor Mike Hedges

Details are entered on a secure web link for safety reasons and potential matches are put in contact with each other via e-mail.

Some of the city's biggest employers, including the NHS trust, university and council, are backing the scheme and encouraging their staff to sign up.

The website has been established by the Swansea Bay Alternative Travel Forum.

New friends

The forum says people sharing car journeys, rather than travelling on their own, help to cut jams.

It says car sharing is also a novel way of meeting new people and making new friends.

Swansea council cabinet member Mike Hedges said: "The car share database is another tool in the kit available to help reduce single car commuting.

"The council is expecting the database to help promote many sharing arrangements, which in turn will help save money for commuters and reduce total car numbers on the road at peak hours."

But drivers are warned not to take part if they are looking to make a profit, as it may well invalidate their insurance.

Guidelines suggest passengers make a contribution of about 6p a mile for regular journeys, although all arrangements are informal.