Deciding to share a ride is an important decision—and if you decide to join, it could mean involvement with the group for 30, 60 or even 90+ minutes every workday. CommuteInfo staff suggests you take some time to meet your potential ridesharing buddies BEFORE making the decision to join a ridesharing arrangement. Contact the driver and/or other riders and set up time for a phone call, coffee or lunch. We have included some questions below which you might include in this conversation.

• Where will you need to meet the group?
• How flexible are the pickup times?
• What type of vehicle is used?
• How many riders are there?
• What costs are shared? (Maintenance, Fuel, Parking)
• Are riders allowed to smoke during the commute?
• Is music played during the commute? If yes, what type?
• Are eating and drinking permitted in the vehicle?
• Do I need to be prepared to drive sometimes?
• What is the back-up plan in case of an emergency?

Street Smarts is an educational campaign to provide safety information to commuters.  As part of the campaign, CommuteInfo staff helped produce and distribute information cards promoting safe commuting by bike, car, and by walking.  IN addition cards promote safety in construction zones and respecting other travelers.  Under the tagline “Don’t Be a Road Zombie” each card emphasizes simple steps, and common-sense tips, that anyone can take to make commuting safer, no matter how they travel.

Check out the Street Smarts safety cards below (PDF):

Please help CommuteInfo promote safe commuting. Follow the safety tips. Let your co-workers, family and friends know about the Street Smarts campaign and encourage them to take steps to be a safe commuter. Don't be a Road Zombie. The consequences of becoming one can be life changing.

If you would like to request hard copies of the Street Smarts cards, contact CommuteInfo staff today, by emailing or calling toll-free 1-888-819-6110.

The CommuteInfo Program Staff Introduces Transit Watch
to Regional Commuters

In the post-9/11 environment of heightened attention to safety and security, it's not surprising that public transit agencies nationwide are enthusiastically embracing Transit Watch. The campaign provides information and instructions to transit passengers and employees so that they know what to do and whom to contact in the event of an emergency in a transit setting. The CommuteInfo program is pleased to join fellow agencies across the country in launching this safety and security awareness program in the Southwestern PA region.

Transit Watch targets transit employees, passengers and neighborhood residents, urging them to stay alert and work together to maintain a safe transit environment. The campaign includes professionally prepared promotional and press materials, and the objective is similar to the successful nationwide Neighborhood Watch crime prevention program implemented by the National Sheriff's Association in the early 1970s. Transit Watch was developed as a safety and security awareness program, recognized by transit employees, riders and the general public. The campaign will also help foster the role of transit as a safe haven in communities across the country.

Transit Watch was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in partnership with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

For further information about Transit Watch, contact the CommuteInfo program office at 1-888-819-6110. You can also download a Transit Watch brochure in PDF format.

Motorists have greater access to highway safety resources through a traffic safety Web site, designed by PennDOT called DriveSafePA.org.  The site is part of PennDOT’s highway safety campaign, Drive Safe PA, which aims to save at least 100 or more lives on Pennsylvania highways each year.

DriveSafePA.org offers information and tips on highway safety topics including: aggressive driving, bicycle/pedestrian, child passenger safety, heavy trucks, engineering infrastructure, impaired driving, mature drivers, motorcycle safety, school bus safety, seat belts, work zones and young drivers. Each of these areas is highlighted as part of an interactive quiz that allows motorists to test their highway safety knowledge.

Check out some of the resources by clicking on the links below: 2010 – 2011 Winter Services Guide PA Drive Safe PA Brochure General Driving Safety Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Pennsylvania Bicycle Drivers Manual - 2009 Winter Driving Tips Winter Driving Guide Work Zone Safety Street Smarts – Bicycling Safety Information Street Smarts – Pedestrian Safety Information        Drive Safe PA