Ridesharing is a good opportunity for commuters to help improve our air quality and traffic problems through sensible commuting decisions. There are many rewards for  ridesharing that come from employers as well as transit agencies. If you currently  rideshare or are someone who would like to rideshare, the following information will be very useful for you:

The City of Los Angeles, through the Commuter Services Office (213) 847-0404, offers ridesharing incentives to City employees. For example, the City subsidizes the use of mass transit, operates a vanpool program, and provides incentives to carpool to its employees. 

Many other employers offer pre-tax payroll deductions for such purposes. 

In addition to these incentives, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has the Rideshare Rewards and Club Metro programs. Those currently driving alone and working at a registered site located in Los Angeles County that has fewer than 250 employees qualify for the programs. Eligible employees must rideshare a minimum of five times per month. Rideshare Rewards will reward you $2 per day in gift certificates from Ralph's, Target or Unocal for every day you rideshare, up to $120 during one three-month trial period. Additionally, through Club Metro, those who have been ridesharing for at least six months are further rewarded with coupons and discounts for a large number of restaurant and entertainment venues throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. For information, call the Rideshare Rewards/ Club Metro Hotline (213) 922-2811. 

 

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) provides a wealth of information about ridesharing on its commuter website: www.socalcommute.org

Remember also that every year, the first full week of October is Ride Share Week and regular May events include Bike Commute Week and Bike to Work Day.

To read an article on California Rideshare Week see page 2 of the October 2004 (pdf) issue of An Environmental Affair. 

To read an article on Bike to Work Week, see page 3 of the May 2005 (pdf) issue of An Environmental Affair

SO DO YOUR PART FOR CLEAN AIR AND LESS TRAFFIC: SHARE THE RIDE!

 

For more information on EAD's Air Quality Division, click on the AQD homepage here, or to return to the Environmental Affairs Department's homepage, click EAD homepage.