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| MDOT provides options to help motorists
beat the high cost of commuting
Contact:
Bill Shreck, MDOT Director of Communications, 517-335-3084
Agency:
Transportation
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April 23, 2008 -- Michigan motorists trying to avoid paying high prices at the pump have a multitude of options available to them, State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said today. Steudle reminds motorists that alternatives to driving include taking the bus or other means of public transit, car pools utilizing MDOT Park and Ride lots, and MDOT's Rideshare Program.
"There are many options available to motorists across Michigan that will help them save money and energy while reducing pollution and congestion," said Steudle.
Public Transit Options
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers information about alternatives to driving, including links to bus companies throughout the state. Just click on "Alternatives to Driving" on the left-hand side of MDOT's MI Drive Web site at: www.michigan.gov/drive.
Michigan Carpool Parking Lot Program
MDOT maintains 231 carpool parking lots located throughout the state, with approximately 8,000 parking spaces for use by carpooling motorists. The Carpool Parking Lot (Park and Ride) Program continues the department's commitment to conserving limited energy resources and is available to anyone traveling for business or pleasure: www.mi.gov/parkandride.
Sharing the Ride
Commuters can save money on gasoline, along with wear and tear on their vehicles, by using MichiVan, a statewide vanpooling program sponsored by MDOT. MichiVan will supply fully insured 7 or-15 passenger vans to groups of 5 or more commuters, with the cost to be shared among the riders: www.mi.gov/rideshare.
Several Rideshare offices offer ride-match services across the state. For more information contact your local Rideshare office.
Another option for carpooling is a free, computerized service sponsored by SEMCOG (the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments). Called RideShare, this program matches car and vanpool partners for work commuters in the Metro Detroit area. Information is available at: www.semcog.org.
Driving Cost Calculator
To find out what your commute is costing you each year and how much money you could save by carpooling, use the Driving Cost Calculator on MDOT's Web site: http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/rideshare/drivingcost.cfm
Gasoline Pricing and Savings Information
Comparative pricing for gas stations around the state (compiled from information posted by consumers) and information on fuel efficiency, plus tips for buying gasoline and filing an electronic gas-gouging report, can be found at: www.mi.gov/gasprices.
Bicycle Route Maps
Those who want to commute by bicycle can find online maps for bicycle routes. On-road and off-road bike maps and information is posted at: www.michigan.gov/mdot-biking
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! -A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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