With skyrocketing gas prices, I would like to remind everyone that there are money-savings alternatives available for getting around. One way to save money is to ride the bus. The Amador Regional Transit System traverses the county throughout the day and also travels to Sacramento three times a day. The cost to ride ARTS is $1 one-way around the county and $3.75 one-way to/from Sacramento. The Sacramento fare also includes a transfer to Light Rail or Sacramento Regional Transit.
Another way to save money is to carpool or vanpool. Did you know that Foothill Rideshare offers free carpool and vanpool ridematching services? This free service was formed through the joint efforts of the Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne and San Joaquin county transportation agencies to match riders and drivers who live and work in the foothills, Sacramento, Stockton and points along the way and beyond!
Did you also know that this free ride-matching service not only helps those commuting 100-plus miles each day, which is the typical commute mileage from the foothills to Stockton or Sacramento, but also serves residents commuting as little as 8 to 10 miles a day? According to the True Cost of Driving Web site (www.commutesolutions.org/calc.htm), a single-occupant vehicle commute of 100 miles a day round-trip costs approximately $25,000 per year. Local commuters driving 10 miles one way within Amador County may think a 20-plus-mile commute isn't all that far. Guess again. According to the True Cost of Driving Web site, driving 20 miles a day can cost over $5,000 per year!
Foothill Rideshare is forming new carpools everyday. Vanpools are also forming for groups of six or more going the same direction. Foothill Rideshare offers free carpool and vanpool ridematching for anyone who needs to travel locally or regionally. To learn more and to register for free ridematching, visit www.foothillrideshare.com or call (800) 52-SHARE.