Not surprisingly, as the price of gasoline increases so does commuter interest in programs for sharing rides, says Stephanie Rizor, project manager for the Share A Ride program offered by the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments.

“There has definitely been an increase in people asking about the program,” she said. “We’re getting more calls from people working in the automotive industry in Michigan about van pooling. For shift work it works out really well.”

About 2,000 persons are participating in Share A Ride – a program that began in the early 1980s.

“It’s a pretty even mix of people from different areas,” Ms. Rizor said. “We even have people car pooling from Wauseon to Perrysburg. A lot of jobs have moved out to the suburbs.”

She maintains a computerized database of names, phone numbers, addresses, work hours, and workplaces of those in the program to match with those interested in car pooling. But only names and phone numbers are released to prospective participants. Addresses are kept confidential.

Finding a match isn’t always easy, Ms. Rizor said, as many commuters have other commitments after work.

“We tell people if they’re reluctant to get into a car pool because of their schedule that it doesn’t have to be everyday,” she said. “Every little bit helps – both for the environment and for their finances. Everbody’s situation is unique and it works for some and not for others. But it is something to look into.”

Share A Ride services are free to commuters in Lucas, Wood, Seneca, Erie, Ottawa, Huron, and Sandusky counties.

Related services TMACOG offers include van pooling and the guaranteed ride home program.

Van pooling consists of groups of seven to 15 people who agree to share expenses for the use of a van to drive to and from work each day. TMACOG makes arrangements for the group to lease the vans through the VanOhio program and VPSI in Michigan.

The guaranteed ride program provides car poolers and van poolers registered with Share A Ride a back-up in the event of an emergency or schedule change while at work. Share A Ride will reimburse participants for the cost of a taxi ride or bus fare.

The service is available up to four times per year and is free to commuters who live in Lucas, Wood and southern Monroe County in Michigan.

For information about Share A Ride call TMACOG at 1-800-241-1919.

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