If are driving alone to work and would like a little relief from soaring gasoline prices or want to save money - we have some options for you!

 

Ride the bus!

Instead of driving all the way to work - drive to the nearest park and ride and hop on the bus! With the state employee bus subsidy it only costs $0.88 each ride on a Rapid or Express bus and $0.63 for each local bus ride. Valley Metro has an easy to use online trip planner at: http://tripplan.phoenix.gov/cgi-bin/itin_page.pl?resptype=U or you can call them at 602.253.5000 for help over the phone. Imagine relaxing and reading the paper instead waiting in traffic and thinking of how much gasoline you are using on your commute, you will save more than money!

 

If you do not already have a Bus Card Plus card - we have the application online at: www.capitolrideshare.com/files/Bus.htm  There is no cost for your initial bus card and you are only charge for rides you take. Once you fill out the application you need to turn it in to your HR or Personnel Office.

Now, more than ever, people are trying carpooling. Capitol Rideshare and ShareTheRide.com offer an online, innovative, free ridematching service that provides you an easy way to find others in the Valley who are interested in sharing the ride to work in a carpool or vanpool. Consider carpooling once a week to start. And, if you like it, do it even more often. There is no obligation to carpool when you sign up. But once you do sign up  you will be able to see potential carpool matches. Just go to: www.capitolrideshare.com/files/matchlist.htm
 

Telework!

Telework is a powerful management option that allows selected employees to work from home, or a State office location closer to home, one or more days a week. Telework offers a more productive working environment with fewer distractions that result in better job performance, improved employee morale and job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and sick leave usage. Click here http://teleworkarizona.com/mainfiles/employee/eselfassessment.asp to see if you are a candidate for telework or contact your agency Travel Reduction Coordinator.

Bike to Work!

If you live within a reasonable distance from your work site, cycling may be an excellent option for you! Cycling is free and a great way to stay in shape. If you live too far from work, why not consider the bike-on-bus program. You can ride to the bus stop; put your bike on the rack mounted on the bus, and bus to work. For information on Valley Bike Maps, visit www.azbikeped.org/maps.htm.

Walk To Work!
If you live close to work, why not give walking a try? It's free, great exercise, and burns off calories. Walking at a moderate pace for 20 minutes burns off 100 calories. Walking to work may not always be practical if the distance is too great. Why not consider walking to your nearest Park & Ride lot or bus stop, then enjoying the rest of the commute on the bus? It is great exercise and a great option for employees who don't live near work.

 

Once you start using an alternate mode on your commute you may wonder why you didn't start earlier!

 

 

Commuter Club Discount Card & Emergency Ride Home Benefits

If you use an alternate mode at least twice a week, you are eligible for a free membership in the Commuter Club! It offers great incentives including a free taxi for an emergency ride home in case you are stranded at work. It also features a terrific discount card that can be used at a variety of merchants throughout the Valley.

     *   Free taxi emergency ride home from work

     *   Discount card for local restaurants and entertainment
     *   Quarterly newsletter & contests

Additional information and an application can be found online at www.capitolrideshare.com/files/commuter.htm .

Easy does it. You might enjoy flooring it at a stoplight, but you’re wasting gas and putting more strain on your car. It’s also safer to accelerate slowly.  This also helps you avoid red-light runners.

 

Be a smooth driver. Abrupt stops aren’t great for your car or your car’s fuel efficiency. Letting your car coast to a stop is a good way to improve your gas mileage.
 

Follow the speed limit.  Driving any faster may get you where you want to go in less time, but it also means more trips to the gas pump. Driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph will lower your fuel economy by 10 percent. Driving 70 mph instead of 55 mph will lower your fuel economy by 17 percent.
 

Avoid rush hour.  Stop and go traffic is bad for your car’s mileage. If possible, stagger your work hours to avoid rush hour.
 

Combine trips.  You can save on fuel and cut down on wear and tear by choosing the shortest route to your destination and combining short trips whenever possible.
 

Travel light.  Less weight means better mileage. A heavier vehicle uses more gasoline. Empty your trunk of unnecessary items.
 

Keep your windows closed. When traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10 percent.
 

Avoid tailgating.  The driver in front of you is unpredictable.  Following too closely is not only unsafe, but will reduce your fuel economy as you try to match the speed and acceleration patterns of the other vehicle.
 

 

Please contact us with questions or if you need this information in an alternate format.

 

Thank you,

 

Capitol Rideshare