Did you know you can save hundreds of dollars and practically eliminate the stress of commuting by joining a vanpool? A vanpool is like a carpool except usually an organization (your company, a municipality, non-profit organization, etc.) provides the van for the riders.
My Money Blog outlines how the system works. Essentially, each rider pays a low monthly fare, which covers the cost of fuel, tolls, and van maintenance. Riders save on the cost of fuel alone and you might even be able to get a tax break if your employer offers a pre-tax payroll deduction for using mass transit. Besides the cost savings, using a vanpool has the same benefits as carpooling: less stress, reducing your carbon footprint, and time savings when you use the faster HOV lane.
Even better: If you're the driver, you pay nothing at all.
See the post on My Money Blog for more details and links to programs in different communities.
Vanpooling: Save Money with Work Commute Alternatives | My Money Blog
Photo by U.S. Army