How to Save Gas on Your Way to Work
by Melanie G. Rogers (from www.discovercard.com)
With gas prices soaring, who doesn’t want to save money on commuting? News reports on escalating gas prices offer a variety of options for commuters—taking public transportation or riding a bike, among others—but will you really save money?
It depends on your schedule. At first glance, taking public transportation seems like a no-brainer. You save gas and wear and tear on your car. If your schedule runs like clockwork, you’ll probably have no problems taking the train or bus to and from work.
But what if you have to work late one day? And how easy will it be to run errands before or after work?
Americans took 10.3 billion trips on public transportation in 2007, the highest rate in fifty years, according to the American Public Transportation Association. Word has it that the record will be broken in 2008.
“It’s very clear that the rise in gas prices is creating a lot of pain among drivers,” says Steven Schoeffler, CEO of car pool Web site eRideshare.com. “People are looking for something to do about it.”
How much will you really save by not driving? You can count not only gas costs, but also car depreciation and insurance costs, which you may be able to reduce if you drive fewer miles each year.
Here are some things to consider when you want to stop driving to work:
* What is the weather like where you live? Take into consideration extreme conditions—such as humidity, rain and snow—if you plan on walking or biking.
* How much flexibility do you want? If you join a car pool, you will have to negotiate a schedule with your fellow riders.
* What’s your goal in changing your way of commuting? Is it to save money or to make your car last longer? Will you still be driving your car a lot on the weekends and outside of your commute? If so, you might not save much when you factor in the cost of a commuter pass.
* Does your company offer commuting benefits? Ask your human resources department. If they don’t currently subsidize public transportation, ask that they start.
Companies across the country are coming up with ways to aid their employees in these tight times. Omaha Steaks, based in Omaha, Neb., subsidizes employee bus passes. Ten bus passes cost $13 normally, and the company sells them for $6, says spokeswoman Beth Weiss. But most commutes last only about twenty minutes, she says.
The company also gives its call center employees flexibility in setting their schedules. Some employees choose to work four ten-hour days, Weiss says.
IBM has created an infrastructure to support the 40 percent of global employees who work virtually, according to spokeswoman Laurie Friedman. IBM started a Facebook-like application that’s a “virtual watercooler,” in which workers can share tips on how to avoid isolation and stay productive, she explains.
“IBM is a results-oriented company—we don’t care where the work gets done,” Friedman explains. “Our flexible work programs succeed in attracting, motivating and retaining employees by helping them manage the demands of their jobs and personal lives.”
HP encourages employees to bike to work with annual events in June and access to lockers and showers.
While Americans’ awareness of alternative commuting options has recently increased, at least one company has worked to find a way to link commuting and saving money since 2000. WageWorks, an employee benefits company, provides a commuting package that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for parking or public transit.
The WageWorks program includes transit subsidies. “Employees can deduct money out of their paycheck for car pool or van pool services” —up to $115 per month—says Dan Corbett, vice president of transportation development. “They can deduct more than that, but it counts toward their salary [and is taxable]. They can deduct up to $220 a month toward parking.”
In many cases, HR departments are promoting commuting programs that have been in place for a while but may have been forgotten.
How can you start commuting in a new way? Try these tips:
* Car pool. Visit eRideShare.com to find car-pooling buddies. Discuss how to split costs ahead of time.
* Bike. Look up bike trails in your area. Some, like Capital Crescent Trail, in Washington, D.C. may be accessed by public transportation. You can take your bike on the Metro and then get off and ride your bike the rest of the way. Some other public transportation networks will allow you to take your bike onboard a bus or a train.
* Telecommute. If your company offers this option, discuss it with your boss. Make sure expectations are clear before you begin. If you can’t telecommute full-time, ask your boss if you can work one day a week from home to start.
* Take a train or bus. Research the cost of monthly or weekly passes and whether your company will help you pay for them.
* Shift around your hours. Ask to work four ten-hour days or to commute during non–rush hours. You’ll save money on the gas you’re not wasting stuck in traffic.
If you decide to continue driving to work, try these gas-saving ideas from NADAguides.com:
* Shut off your engine at a drive-thru restaurant or ATM.
* When you’re nearing a red light, coast to a stop.
* Drive slow and steady. Going 65 miles per hour instead of 75 can improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent.
* Keep your tires properly inflated. Check your car’s manual or inside the driver-side door for the proper tire pressure. This can save you up to 10 percent in gas costs.
And they aren’t too bud - just a little off centered.
Female. Aquarius. Feb. 11th. 
