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If you commute, the high cost of gas can take a big bite of your budget. Commuters cover an estimated 9.5 million miles per day on greater
Birmingham freeways, according to CommuteSmart.org. When you’re burning four dollar a gallon gas that's a lot of money up in fumes.
Sean Saffle with CommuteSmart Birmingham said all that driving can cost in more ways than one. “Because we're seeing a lot of congestion in the area and with our poor air quality all the traffic contributes,” said Saffle.
His organization is here to help. "CommuteSmart is a free program out of the Regional Planning Commission. Our main goal is to give people another option besides driving alone so they can save some money and save some gas," said Sean Saffle.
Saffle said the addition of six new park and ride lots will make it easier for commuters to find a carpool close to home. The organization also has a database of commuters to help potential carpool members find each other. "You might recognize a car on the highway but if we can get you their name and how they want to be contacted, maybe you guys can get together and start saving some money," said Saffle. "We’ve been around for a while but we're seeing a lot of growth. A lot of people are realizing that they can't really afford their commute anymore. So by carpooling you can cut your gas prices in half."
On top of those savings CommuteSmart's Get Green program will actually pay Jefferson and Shelby county residents two dollars per carpool trip to
Birmingham for up to three months- or $120 dollars. "Just give us a call. We have an application you fill out so you can make some money while you're cutting the price of gas in half," said Saffle.
CommuteSmart also has an emergency ride home program to ensure members do not get stuck at work, even if someone in their carpool has to leave early. To enroll in the free CommuteSmart program go to www.commutesmart.org or click on the links tab above.
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