Zipcar

Do you live way out of town and generally drive in solo? Are you hoping to participate in this year's Commuter Challenge, but just haven't found the right green-commuting method yet? Well friends, have I got an idea for you! You've heard of it, you've seen its own lane on the highway, but you just haven't given it a try. Well today, I have the privilege of introducing an option of ease and comfort, your friend and mine, the CARPOOL. What's a carpool, some might ask? Carpools are groups of two or more people who commute together using a vehicle provided by a person within the group. Remember, for the purpose of the Commuter Challenge, carpools must consist of multiple individuals who would--or at least could--be driving alone. Accordingly, your six-month-old son, your neighbor's Scottish terrier, Scotty, and your 107-year-old great, great aunt, who hasn't driven a car in 50 years, don't count. No one from my office lives in my neighborhood--how can I find a carpool? I'm so glad you asked! Michigan Ride Share has great resources for finding your nearest carpool, not to mention helpful tips for 'poolers and information about 'pooling insurance! I'm not sure a MI Ride Share carpool is right for me--are there other options? There sure are! Carbuddy, MichiVan, and Zipcar all offer varieties of carpooling, vanpooling, and car-sharing commuting options! Want to access more information? Check out our Guide to Sharing a Ride and Zipcar in Ann Arbor, located on the getDowntown blog! Bottom line, carpooling saves money (divide the price of gas by the number of people in the carpool!), eases stress (instead of driving to work each day, imagine riding along peacefully, chatting with your fellow 'poolers, while someone else does the driving!), and helps the environment (fewer CO2 emissions! less overall gas used!). If you have any further questions, please contact us at getDowntown! We'd love to work with you. more>>

The 2012 Commuter Challenge is off to a great start, with almost 300 organizations signed up to participate! Here are the leading organizations in each challenge category: 1 Person Organization: Self-Employed 2-10 Person Organization: Dascola Barbers 11-25 Person Organization: Clean Energy Coalition 26-50 Person Organization: MyBuys 51-100 Person Organization: Washtenaw Friend of the Court 101-500 Person Organization: Infor Global Solutions 500+ Person Organization: UM School of Public Health Check out where your organization stands and keep logging those sustainable commutes to bring your workplace to the top of the list! more>>