Gas Crunch: Carpooling

Some local people are going the extra mile to cut down on fuel costs, by pooling their resources.

Sharing rides to and from work with other drivers is a way to double or triple their gas mileage without buying a new vehicle.  They’re saving hundreds of dollars a month in fuel costs.  In addition to keeping money in their pockets other benefits on their passenger days include avoiding the hassle of dealing with traffic and parking, getting to relax during the commute.  It also helps the environment by cutting down on pollution. 

Members of the Commute Smart Program, like UAB, offer other incentives to employees and students who ride in carpools and vanpools.  Those participating receive passes for days they need to drive their own vehicles.  It also frees up parking spaces on campus.

People riding in groups say it’s a great way to stay on time for work too.  And knowing they must leave at a certain time every day helps with attendance, punctuality and keeps them from staying too long at the office.