The number one reason why people choose to carpool is to save money. Not to sing karaoke with their carpool partner like James Corden likes to do, but that is a clear peripheral benefit. 



Gas prices are out of control right now. The average cost of a gallon of gas in Massachusetts is $4.36. That is a 60% increase over the cost of a gallon of gas from this time last year (then it was $2.72/gallon). Sadly, there isn’t a reprieve in sight. Traffic is also back to 2019 levels, plus some, resulting in “pain at the pump.”

Enter: carpooling. Formally defined as the act of allowing travelers to share a ride to a common destination, whether that be to work, school, home, or both. In doing so, carpoolers can split the cost of the drive, can reduce wear and tear on their vehicles and they can reduce commute stress. Singing at the top of your lungs with your carpool partner will inevitably cause you to arrive at work/school/home happier, too. 😊

Carpooling will save you money. The average SUV uses around 915 gallons of gas in one year (that number is understandably smaller in compact cars at 550 gallons/year). By adding one person to that car, savings could accumulate quickly. According to a 2009 study, the United States could save .80 to .82 billion gallons of gas annually if just one person were added in every 100 vehicles on the road. Another study from 2016 estimated that carpooling could save 33 million gallons of gas per day if each average commuting vehicle carried one additional passenger.

That’s just money. Let’s look at how carpooling makes Mother Earth happier. In reducing fuel consumption, carpoolers also reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The same study from 2009 estimates that 7.2 million tons of GHG emissions could be prevented from entering the atmosphere if one passenger were added to every 100 vehicles on the road. Carpoolers can be a part of that solution!

If you think that carpooling could work for you, then take a minute to check out the Alewife TMA’s FlexRide Carpool program. From there, if you think you are interested, then please complete the carpool profile form. There is no obligation to carpool—the form will just allow the TMA to find a match for you. What you do next is entirely up to you. If you do decide to carpool, then you and your carpool partner will earn a $25 gift card. The incentives will continue if you keep carpooling. It’s really a win-win. 

But don’t take it from us. Give carpooling a try today.