Would you like to reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, save on gas and lower maintenance expenses? If so, try using Transit, Vanpooling or Carpooling as your alternative means of transportation.  Go to www.187ridefind.com and complete the online ridematch application.  You'll be provided with a list of commuters who have compatible work schedules, commute routes and who live near you.  Once you receive your contact list of potential carpool partners, the rest is easy.  Make a few phone calls and make plans to share the ride.  You'll be on your way to an easier commute.

To ensure a smooth commute, there are a few precautions commuters should take:

• Decide on costs.  If the driving is to be equally shared, you may not have to exchange money.  If only one person will drive, divide the cost among the passengers.

• Make sure the vehicle is running and has plenty of gas.

• Check your insurance - some policies offer rate reductions for ridesharing.

• Check for preferential, free or reduced-rate parking.  It all pays off!

• Make sure everyone has a list with each carpool partner's home and work pone numbers.

• Choose a convenient meeting place or agree that where each person will be picked up.

Set a few rules.  For instance:

• Decide who will drive and when.

• How long will the group wait for riders who are late?

• Will smoking be allowed or not?

• Is food and drink okay in the car?

• Music, news or nothing?