Carpool database up to 10,000

The Atlanta Regional Commission’s 1-87-RIDEFIND database has registered more than 10,000 area residents looking for car pool and van pool partners, ARC announced.

The database is administered by Commute Connections, an ARC program that provides ride matching services.

The program is designed to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion in the Atlanta region.

According to 1-87-RIDEFIND, metro Atlanta residents drive an average of 34 miles a day at a cost of more than $10 in operations and maintenance. Car pooling can cut those costs by 50 percent or more, and car pool participants can use HOV lanes to save time.

Van poolers also can take advantage of federal tax benefits.
The RIDEFIND program lists interested commuters in a regional database and will find available matches in two to seven days. The program has implemented a procedure that validates all individual data and routinely updates he database.

“Research indicates that 86 percent of commuters in the Atlanta region drive alone,” said Bill Minter, program manager of Commute Connections. “With traffic congestion the number one concern in the region, we expect the database to continue to grow as people look for ways to take control of their commutes, reduce their stress and save money.”

To enter the database, phone 1-87-RIDEFIND or fill out an on-line application at www.cleanaircampaign.com.

The program also works with employers to help them promote car pooling and van pooling in their organizations and providing hands-on assistance to sign up employees who are interested.