RIDES for Bay Area Commuters Expands to Offer Services Online

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

RIDES for Bay Area Commuters, the foremost clearinghouse for commute alternative information in the Bay Area, is expanding their services to cyberspace with the addition of a new World Wide Web site at www.rides.org.

The site offers the full menu of RIDES services, including some special features connected to California Rideshare Week, October 6-10.

Participants in Rideshare Week there were over 10,000 in the Bay Area last year pledge to carpool, take transit, vanpool, ride a bike, walk, or telecommute to work at least once during the event.

In return, they get an opportunity to win prizes ranging from cash and commute certificates to a mountain bike or weekend getaway. This year's grand prize is a trip for two to Hawaii or Mexico. Entry forms are available online.

Always a Good Idea

Even without the contest, RIDES makes it easy to access information on making commuting easier.

For instance, RIDES matching services are available for anyone seeking to start a car or vanpool or to join an existing one. RIDES also details the many financial incentives that have been created by Bay Area public agencies for those using commute alternatives.

RIDES services do not end there, however. A full menu of options exists for employers. RIDES can help plan events, promotions, and giveaways in conjunction with events like Bike to Work Day and Clean Air Month. Plus, for companies that conduct transportation surveys, RIDES will help review, analyze, and process data obtained from the surveys.

More Information

RIDES will be among the exhibitors at this year's Hacienda Transportation Fair, to be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the CarrAmerica Conference Center, 4400 Rosewood Drive, on Thursday, October 2. The Fair will also feature information on vanpool opportunities, the Altamont Commuter Express, bicycle commuting and more.

More information on RIDES for Bay Area Commuters is available at (800) 755-7665 or at their web site. For more information on the Hacienda Transportation Fair, contact the Hacienda Owners Association at 734-6500.

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