Timing for Rideshare plan is perfect

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, May 1, 2006

THREE-dollar per gallon gasoline, congestion and toxic fumes, they're a necessary evil of the daily commute. But if misery loves company, why not share the experience with a friend?

For many commuters, public transportation just isn't an option, and carpooling only works if you know someone with a similar commute. But in an age when few of us know many of our neighbors, odds are the ones you do know aren't commuting to the same area you are.

That's why we like a new Metropolitan Transportation Commission program that lets new carpoolers earn $10 gift cards, for either gasoline or groceries, for every five days they share a ride, maxing out at $100. They sweeten the pot by offering a drawing for a $1,000 gas or grocery card for those who car pool 40 days.

The idea came from FTC officials, who want to attract commuters to their 511 Rideshare program. That program matches up those who register on the Web site with others who have similar commutes.

The cost of the program, $50,000, is modest especially in the area of transportation. Safeway is also pitching in, providing grocery cards at the company's expense.

If the program can motivate people to change their behavior, give them a convenient alternative and take cars off the road, it could pay for itself in terms of less smog, less wear on the highways and associated savings. For commuters, it's a bargain. They earn the gift cards while saving money on gas, parking and bridge tolls -- plus, they get to use the diamond lane and might end up making a new friend.

The pilot program, which starts today and will accept applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until money is depleted, won't have a major impact at first. But if FTC officials get 500 people to sign up, they intend to expand it by approaching other businesses for contributions to the rewards program and taking their message to the radio waves.

We applaud the FTC's initiative in negotiating these public- private partnerships. There's no easy solution to controlling congestion and smog in the Bay Area, but lots of small, creative steps like Rideshare will help chip away at the problem and could bring more immediate relief, if successful.