Alpha Consumer

One Smart Answer to Pricey Gas? Carpooling

By Kimberly Palmer

Posted: March 13, 2008

Recent surveys suggest that consumers are increasingly feeling the pain of rising gas prices. If you fall into that category, here's a possible solution: Carpool.

Carpools usually work best for those who both live and work in nearby locations, such as neighbors who both work downtown or colleagues who live in the same suburb. Sharing rides saves gas money and reduces traffic (not to mention air pollution). If you're looking to carpool, RideSearch and eRideShare can help you get started. There are also many regional sites that specialize in connecting commuters. Do a Web search on "carpool" and the name of your region.

There is a downside, of course. You'll have to be more flexible on when you leave and possibly where you get dropped off. But according to the RideSearch savings calculator, if you commute 10 miles round trip to work 21 days a month, pay $3 a gallon for gas, and your vehicle gets 20 miles per gallon, then you're spending $84 a month, excluding parking costs and including 25 cents per mile in maintenance. Joining up with just one other person could split that expense in half.

Readers, if you have any good carpooling tips, please share them below.

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shagufta @ Aug 27, 2009 00:41:19 AM

hitch a ride in Harrisburg

Although gas is temporarily decreasing, most other prices are increasing so saving money of gas is a worthwhile proposition. I am interested in starting a progrm in the Daugphin County area and am invetigating different programs, blogs, and forums. If someone can help me with this project, I can be rached at swheels@verizon.net. Thank you.

Susan Schaffer of PA @ Aug 02, 2008 03:28:16 AM

YOU ARE ALL A BUNCH OF IDIOTS

WE are to blame for this so-called gas crisis. Anyone with a half brain has known for years that the days of cheap plentiful oil will eventually come to an end. It is basic math: supplies and production capacity are fixed, while global demand is soaring. There is a huge middle class emerging in China and India that numerically exceed our entire population and those consumers can afford to drive cars now and are doing just that. We need to consume less. We need to give up our lazy wasteful lifestyle and start thinking outside the box. The prez, the Congress, oil and auto companies are not to blame. The less we drive, the less money into the pockets of the OPEC thieves who funnel profits to the terrorists in order to keep themselves in power. I hope gas goes to $5 a gallon and maybe people will wake up and start changing their wasteful lifestyle and start thinking as a community instead of as selfish individuals. I gave up my truck for a motorcycle and get 80 MPG. Gas can go to $10 a gallon as far as I'm concerned. Those who choose to live in suburbia and are tired of paying for commutes from hell should move. Stop whining and think of solutions instead of blaming everyone else.

Ron of FL @ Jul 09, 2008 12:41:24 PM

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Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.


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