What Would You Do For a Free Ride?
High fuel prices are driving some folks cuckoo for free gas. A Florida man has promised to name his child after local radio station hosts in exchange for a $100 gas card, reports Reuters. In Texas, $100 worth of gas was reportedly stolen from a church day care center. Gas card give-aways have been used to attract blood donors (the American Red Cross), reward church attendance (St. Ann's Parish in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts), and entice patrons to frequent a Nevada brothel.
Considering that people will steal, bleed, pray, and make new friends for free gas, how far would you go for a greener freebie--a train or bus ride?
Bold challenges: If you're willing to move to Hasselt, Belgium, bus rides are free to all residents. Another option is to work for the Metro system in Washington DC or the Department of General Services in California, where transit vouchers are job perks. San Francisco Bay Area transit agencies offer free rides on Spare the Air day, but Dave Olsen at The Tyee explains the reasons why free might be viable year-round.
Sensible solutions: Find out if your employer offers pre-tax commuter checks or commuter subsidies. Some cities allow you to save money and time by buying monthly transit passes or by using carpool lanes.
Do you know how to save money on transportation? Please share!
Sources: Reuters, Green Daily, The Tyee, WTOP, Carectomy
Look at this sappy picture about filling up an SUV tank
http://www.HighwayGlider.com/FillingTahoe.jpg
When it is visual, it hits home .... that is right 27 gallons, just for 280 miles
Our blue Prius would yield at least 2200 miles for that kind of gasoline
Posted by: Lilya Lopekha | July 24, 2008 at 10:26 PM