Carpooling not only saves commuters time and money, it can also
help them breathe easier by reducing air pollution during the
warmer months when smog levels are the highest.
Carpooling not only saves commuters time and money, it can also help them breathe easier by reducing air pollution during the warmer months when smog levels are the highest.
When ground ozone levels reach unhealthy levels during June through October, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) issues Spare the Air alerts asking the public to drive less and refrain from other activities that contribute to air pollution.
“Commuters can find carpool partners through the Rideshare Program’s free online service at 511.org or by calling 511” said Julia Maglione of the Regional Rideshare Program.
The program’s online ridematch system provides commuters a quick, easy way to find others who live and work in the same area, have the same schedule and are interested in carpooling. Those without Internet access can call 511 for assistance.
“In addition to helping decrease air pollution, those new to carpooling may qualify for financial incentives or subsidies and can cross bridges toll-free during peak commute hours’” said Maglione. Commuters who contact the Rideshare Program are under no obligation and carpooling can be as flexible as they wish – even one day a week.
• Commuters who use carpool lanes can save an average 30 minutes a day on their roundtrip commutes.
• Individuals can save as much as $3,000 a year by carpooling, rather than driving alone.
• Commuters trying carpooling for the first time may qualify for financial subsidies. Go to 511.org and click Rideshare for details.
• Carpools can cross bridges toll-free by using carpool lanes during peak commute hours.
• Carpooling is the second most prevalent commute mode in the Bay Area (behind driving alone); approximately 18 percent of commuters carpool to work on a regular basis.
• 64 percent of Bay Area commuters drive alone to work.
Source: RIDES for Bay Area Commuters, Inc.
RIDES for Bay Area Commuters provides Regional Rideshare Program services under contract to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Rideshare Program services are funded by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, MTC, the Federal Highway Administration and county congestion management agencies.
