Oakland, CA (PRWEB) May 30, 2009
With rising gas prices and rough economic challenges facing Bay Area commuters, solo drivers have another reason to carpool - $100 in FREE gas. 511 Rideshare is offering Rideshare Rewards - an incentive program for drive-alone commuters to try carpooling. Rideshare Rewards pays new carpoolers up to $100 in gas gift cards. Registration for the program is easy. New carpoolers register at 511.org by clicking on the "Rideshare" link. Throughout a 90-day period, participants submit online commute logs to earn up to $100 in Rideshare Rewards.
Commuters can also get free help finding a carpool match through the 511 RideMatch Service at 511.org. Commuters can visit 511.org and click "Rideshare" to register and obtain a free list of travelers seeking carpool partners who live and work nearby. Operator assistance is also available by dialing 511 and saying "Rideshare," Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Carpooling is a sustainable and economical alternative to drive-alone commuting. It helps reduce traffic congestion and lowers overall vehicle emissions. Carpoolers also benefit from immediate savings because they share the driving expenses with other people. In addition, 511 Rideshare's online Commute Calculator provides drivers with estimates of commuting costs, both in carbon emissions and dollars. Plus, carpooling can provide conversation and companionship during a long commute.
About 511 Rideshare:
With an expanding 511 RideMatch Service database of thousands of registrants from the San Francisco Bay Area, 511 Rideshare helps commuters find other drivers or passengers to carpool or vanpool together. 511 Rideshare also advises and assists Bay Area companies in planning and developing customized employer-organized commute programs. Its mission is to reduce traffic congestion, clean the air, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
511 Rideshare is a free Web/phone service funded by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Qualifying carpools can cross Bay Area toll bridges free of charge during commute hours. For more information, visit rideshare.511.org.
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