By Jessica Taloney Reporter
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Published: Tue, July 22, 2008 - 5:00 pm
Jessica Taloney
When Kimberly Worley goes to work each morning, she doesn't go alone. "There are four of us in our group," says Worley. "I drive one week, and we have another girl drive one week, then another girl. I only drive one full week for the whole month."
Worley is part of a state funded carpooling program called CommuteSmart. She signed up on the Internet and was matched with three other people who live near her neighborhood and actually work in the same building.
"I knew who they were, but I didn't really know alot about them," she says. "Now that we're riding together, we've made a friendship, and I know them all now."
The program is run by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission. It's free to users, and allows carpoolers to select their matches based on specific preferences.
"You can put preferences in as to whether you want to ride with a smoker versus a non-smoker," says Monica Williamson, who manages the website and matches carpoolers. Williamson. says there is a quick online application that asks questions about preferences, and there is also a comment section where users can include any additional information. "If you want to ride with someone of the same sex, that can be put in the comment section," says Williamson.
Williamson says the CommuteSmart program also offers free vouchers for up to three emergency rides home with the Mobile Bay Transportation. "They will come and pick them up and they will take them where they need to go," says Williamson.
Worley says so far, her CommuteSmart experience is going great. Her carpooling crew has already saved her more than $100 in the first month, and she plans to keep it going.
The CommuteSmart website currently has about 100 carpoolers, but they're looking for more. To sign up or learn more about the program click Here.
The program is currently only available to commuters who live or work in Mobile County.
There is also a new carpooling website launched week strictly for state employees. To participate in "Commute with Company," employees should visit the State Personnel Department’s website.
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