Many drivers and passengers have developed very good relationships. Last week, more than 20 netizens had their first get-together in a park, where they enjoyed a barbecue and boated on the lake.

Although delighted with the column's success, a club administrator surnamed Lu said he was worried it might end up being blocked by the local government.

An official from the Nanjing transportation administration office said, according to relevant regulations, if a passenger makes any kind of payment for the journey, including buying fuel, a meal or even a pack of cigarettes, the owner could be defined as being "involved in illegal transportation" and could face punishment.

Also, Lu said, car owners must be responsible for any damage done to the passenger in the event of an accident.

Li Shujun, a lawyer from Nanjing suggested both sides sign a contract specifying their respective responsibilities so as to avoid disputes in the future.

Car sharing is well developed in some foreign countries, with figures suggesting there are about 200 such organizations in Europe with 125,000 members.

Many countries have put forward regulations to encourage people to share their cars as it is believed to be a good solution to relieving traffic congestion, saving resources and easing pollution.

In Germany and Singapore, car owners can be fined for allowing their vehicles to carry just one person on a main road during the rush hour. In the United States, cars carrying more than one passenger can use an "exclusive fast lane".

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