Carpooling Programs in Kent County, Michigan

In this poor economy and in the state of Michigan, it can be very important to do what you can to save money. After researching and writing about grocery budgets and tips for renting out a room in your home, I decided the next biggest problem for most families is the price of gas. One solution is to carpool to work with someone in the same area going in a similar destination as yourself. Carpooling can be a great way to save money, but sometimes finding someone to carpool with can be quite difficult. This article outlines some programs that can assist.

With the high price of gas these days, the benefits of carpooling are better than they have ever been and the common inconveniences are becoming less of a problem. Michigan's MDOT website gives a calculator to figure out just how much you could be saving. Other benefits of carpooling are environmental. Rideshare tells us that cutting 25 miles a week from your driving would save 1,500 lbs of CO2 and that the U.S. could save 33 million gallons of gas a day if the average commuting vehicle carried one additional person.

Michigan Department of Transportation carpool lots provide safe and convenient parking for carpoolers. These lots are free to use and are located all across Michigan. Many are near highways and are very easy to find and convenient for carpoolers to meet up at. There are also local Rideshare offices that can provide matching services for those looking for someone to carpool or vanpool with for the work commute. If you are hesitant to carpool with a stranger because of worrying if your personalities will work, give it a try on a temporary trial basis. If it doesn't work, you can try with someone else. Find a local carpool lot on MDOT's map of Carpool Lots.

Operating separately from the Department of Transportation, The Rapid provides both Carpooling and Vanpooling services by operating West Michigan Rideshare. The Carpooling services provide an online match up to find someone that matches your commute and work schedule. The site allows you to set preferences, like if you are or aren't able to drive, how far your match should be out of the way, and if you will ride with smokers. It then gives you several options and lets you contact them through the website.

The Rapid also provides Vanpooling services through their RapidVan program. RapidVan offer a shared ride to work for groups of four or more. The Rapid provides the vehicle, insurance, and fuel. Individuals pay a monthly fee to participate. The more people, the lower the cost. The average cost is $85-175 per month. Drivers are drug tested, go through a defensive driving class, and pass background/criminal and a health exam so you can be confident in knowing you have a safe driver.

With MichiVan, five to fifteen commuters share a van to get to work along an established route. Each rider pays a monthly fee and the volunteer driver rides for free. Depending on the distance and the amount of riders, the fee can range from $64 to $247.

The unease of being without a car should an emergency or family illness arises deters many from carpooling. The Guaranteed Ride Home Program will offer reimbursement for taxi fare or car rental should one of the incidents occur. The program is free, but you will have to register to participate.

Consider one of these programs to reduce your monthly fuel and transportation expenses and help the environment in the meantime.

Sources:

http://www.rideshare.com/

http://wmrideshare.org/

http://www.vpsiinc.com/Home/index.asp?OID=27

http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9615_11228-22197--,00.html

http://www.michigan.gov/micommute