NYC Social Networking Site Connects Subway Commuters
by MEREDITH TRAINA | wpix.com

4:02 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Ride on the love train? A new social networking site for straphangers is helping commuters break the ice without the awkwardness of approaching one another underground.

Submate.com lets users enter in their departure and arrival destinations, and the approximate time of day they travel -- and then matches them with other users who share the same commute.

The website aims to connect people on all different levels -- romantic or otherwise. You could potentially hook up with your next girlfriend, or find a new drummer for your band. Others say the site is a great way to make new friends, while passing the time on your way to and from work.

The site's developer, Laurent Kretz told the NY Post he first got the idea when he routinely saw the same woman at an East Village subway station. He eventually mustered up the courage to ask if she could help him with his Spanish.

Kretz has since created similar sites on the Paris and London rail systems.

Submate.com somewhat resembles Facebook. Once users create a profile, they can view profiles of other people along the commute and send them messages.

So next time you catch someone on the subway sporting those shoes you've been looking for, why not shoot them a message and ask away?