Every year, each commuter in the Commonwealth produces 62 pounds of carbon monoxide, 9 pounds of hydrocarbons, and 5 pounds of nitrogen oxides, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Cars, trucks, and buses produce approximately 40 percent of all air pollutants. In an attempt to reduce pollution caused by motor vehicles, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) promotes different commuting choices such as carpooling and riding public transportation.

Commuting Options

Exploring the various choices available can help you decide which best matches your schedule and travel needs.

• Carpooling – Carpooling involves sharing a ride with one or more persons; this can reduce commuting costs by splitting gas and taking turns driving to work. Additionally, you can cut your commuting time by driving in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes designed for carpoolers. If you are unsure with whom to carpool, NuRide can match you with people who need a ride and live or work near you.

• Vanpooling – Vanpooling is traveling with a group of people in a vehicle with seven seats or more. You can start your own vanpool if you have the wheels, or join an existing vanpool and meet at a Park and Ride Lot. As with carpooling, travelers can equally share commuting costs and drive in the HOV lane. Additionally, vanpoolers may also qualify for a subsidy that reduces the cost of vanpooling through the Massachusetts Commuter Vanpool Program.
• Public transportation – In addition to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which serves the Greater Boston area by train, bus, subway, and boat, there are 15 Regional Transit Authorities across Massachusetts that can take you where you need to go.

Some residents may feel uneasy about ridesharing due to the possibility of an emergency, which would leave multiple individuals stranded. However, MassRIDES, a free MassDOT service, offers an Emergency Ride Home Program to registered members.

Why You Should Change How you Commute

Altering the way you get around can save the average Massachusetts driver up to $3,000 on car insurance, parking fees, and gas, according to MassDEP. In addition to saving money, driving less helps the environment. If there was a 10 percent increase nationwide in mass transit ridership, the country would save 135 million gallons of gasoline a year.

Improving your commute will save you money and time, while helping the environment. Even if you only change your commute style once a week, you can make a difference. Contact MassRIDES today to get started.

How do you commute to work? Let us know by commenting below or tweet us @MassGov.

Tags: carpool, carpooling, department of transportation, massrides, ride sharing, ridesharing