Apr 25, 2006 5:59 pm US/Central
Carpoolers Save Money At The Gas Pump
by Dorothy Tucker
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Cash-strapped drivers are struggling to find ways to save money at the pump.
As CBS 2 Consumer Reporter Dorothy Tucker reports, some people are turning to their friends, co-workers and neighbors to help cut those sky-high commuting costs by carpooling.
Nurse Katine Williams carpools to work every day with Bonnette Brooks and another colleague. They travel 20 miles from the South Side to Rogers Park.
"We take turns driving each other; trying to cut down on the gas," Williams said.
Brooks added, "If you're a single parent and you have kids, if you can find somebody that's willing to carpool with you, it's a great thing to do, because even this small car costs $30, $35 to fill it up."
The Illinois Department of Transportation is working to promote carpooling. If you contact IDOT, the staff there will help you partner with colleagues or neighbors so you can join the state's Share the Drive program.
"It's a program we strongly believe in," IDOT spokeswoman Marisa Kollias said.
She added, "Folks who carpool can save over $2,500 a year, and that's a lot of money with gas prices on the rise. It's just another reason to consider carpooling."
A number of other sources are also operating carpooling programs. Rental car companies such as Enterprise offer vanpooling programs, and a growing number of both free and commercial Web sites will match carpoolers who live near each other.
There is also a good chance your company is willing to help out as well.
For one example, managers at Sapient Experience Marketing found an added benefit with carpooling – lower absenteeism and increased productivity.
"Some friendships have developed that really wouldn't, so it's been good just in terms of team building," said Gaston Legorburu of Sapient.
There is a downside to carpooling. Research shows it lengthens the commute by 10 minutes because of the extra stops you have to make to pick up your neighbors.
But most commuters think the extra time is worth the money saved in gas.
Those interested in joining the state program can call 1-800-820-RIDE or log on to sharethedrive.org.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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