Beginning to rideshare to work can seem like a daunting task, but when you take the time to assess cost and emissions saving of carpooling, the positives can easily outweigh the inconveniences. Remember, joining a rideshare does not mean that you must commit to riding with others everyday. Some rideshares travel everyday, others a few times a week, and some just on special occasions.

• Save Money
  • Those living in the Metro region spend between $1,320.00 and $2,640.00 on gasoline driving to Carleton annually. To see how much money you spend driving to campus during the year click here.
    
  • Minnesotans spend more on transportation than on housing, health insurance, food and all other major spending categories.
    
  • Car repairs – fewer miles mean less wear and tear on your vehicle
  • Insurance rates – if you are a member of a vanpool you may earn a 25-30% discount on your insurance
  • Payroll taxes – as part of a vanpool you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for commuting expenses.
  • Parking – It is free at Carleton, but it may not be forever
  • Through ridesharing an individual or family may save thousands by avoiding buying another vehicle.
    

• Health benefits

  • Reduced stress from less driving
  • More sleep – using high occupancy lanes makes your ride to work faster
  • Commuting in or among diesel vehicles may increase a person’s risk of cancer and can trigger asthma attacks (especially among children).
  • Fewer back problems from less sitting

• Reduce Emissions
  • Carbon dioxide is one of the primary greenhouse gases (GHG) and accounts for 95% of the GHG emitted form mobile sources (transportation)
  • Diesel vehicles produce particulate matter (PM) and other toxic chemicals that contribute to smog and acid deposition
  • Ridesharing with one other person, just one day a week could reduce carbon dioxide emissions as much as 1319 pounds per year
  • Ridesharing with one other person 5 days a week could reduce one’s carbon dioxide emissions as much as 6363 pounds per year.
    
    
• Build Community
  • Befriend your co-workers or become friends with your boss!
  • Read books & newspapers on your way to work
    
  • Ridesharing reduces stresses and makes employees more productive while at work
    
    
• Reduce Road Congestion
  • Reduces noise pollution
  • Reduces need for new roads
  • In some cases reduced need for road maintenance
    
    
• Reduce Parking Stress
  • Ridesharing reduces pressure to pave campus greenspaces for parking lots.
  • Carleton faculty, staff, and students parking in residential areas surrounding the campus unnecessarily stress town-gown relations
    
    
• Earn Preferred Parking Spaces
  • Carleton may soon offer members of a registered carpool or vanpool, preferred parking spaces. This program has yet to begin, but with your help it may soon! Carpoolers can express an interest in this program by contacting Campus Security (upper Sayles) or the Campus Services Office (basement Sayles).