Monthly Newsletter | August 2022

**How You Can Benefit From Not Driving To Work!**

Each month Yolo Commute sends a newsletter to its members with useful information about commuting and transportation. This month’s newsletter focuses on how employees benefit by not driving to work.

Driving an automobile contributes to many of environmental problems such as smog, climate change, traffic congestion, and public health effects, yet it seems we are almost entirely dependent on cars to get around. We know that driving a car is often a necessity, but what if you could change one trip - your trip to work – from driving alone to…something else? What might that be and how would you start? Yolo Commute can help people consider these decisions and provide incentives to help make these difficult changes.

Most people make their commute decision based on a combination of factors such as travel time, comfort, safety, access, cost, convenience, enjoyment, and others. Since driving is an individually logical decision, Let’s focus on how you can benefit by not driving to work.

The Work Trip

The work trip is often easier to plan around because it occurs regularly, at the same time each day, and when other people are going to work. This is also when most traffic congestion occurs. For these reasons, more options are available than other trip types, especially if you live relatively close to your work.

Remote Work

The most sustainable commute trip is the one that isn’t taken. If you haven’t already, check with your employer about remote work policies. Working from home and hybrid schedules are increasingly common and employees appreciate the scheduling flexibility and comforts of home.

Hybrid Schedules

Hybrid Schedules allow people to live further from work. If you have a longer commute, check into carpooling, vanpooling, express bus routes, or the train. You will save money and your stress levels will drop! While you’re at it, open your laptop and work, check messages, stream a video, or close your eyes and listen to your favorite podcast.

Biking to Work

If you live reasonably close to work, bicycling might be an option. Your fitness and energy levels will improve. So might your productivity! Short distances take similar times to driving and a leisurely five-mile bike ride takes only 25-30 minutes.

Motorized Assistance

If you’re worried about arriving to work sweating, try an electric-assist bicycle. E-bikes will change your entire perception of bicycling, and you can put as much or little effort into pedaling as you want. They’re also fun! Another option for shorter commutes is to check local bus routes.

How to Get Started!

Not sure how to start? Sacregion511.org makes it easy. Simply enter your start location (typically home) and your destination (typically work) and 511 will show you options. It’s that simple. It will even find carpool matches for you! Stuck? Contact Yolo Commute and we’ll help.

Programs that Got Your Back!

Is cost a barrier? Yolo Commute has you covered with The Rideshare Incentive Program. Our cash rewards increase the longer you stick with taking a bus, bike, carpool, etc. for two months until your new routine is established. After that, leave driving stress at home while imagining how to spend your saved money. Find out more at YoloCommute.net.

What about emergencies? Yolo Commute has you covered there, too. Our free Emergency Ride Home Program will pay for a ride home by Lyft, Uber, taxi, or similar if you have a sick child at school or your washing machine flooded your house during the workday. We even offer a rental car if home for you is over 50 miles from work.