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Telecommuting, carpooling are viable ways to cut gas costs

By Asjylyn Loder, Times Staff Writer
In print: Sunday, May 4, 2008

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Name two things that lower your gas costs, improve your quality of life and allow you to give yourself a de facto raise that doesn't cost your boss a penny.

First, telecommuting. Second, carpooling.

Yes, I know. You're going to whine that you can't and continue to gripe about gas costs. Want someone to blame for high gas prices? Look in the mirror, and in the driveway. It isn't complicated. It's supply and demand. So think again about "can't," and reconsider the inconvenience.

Consider this: A 45-mile round-trip commute from Tampa to St. Petersburg in a car that averages 21.4 miles per gallon will cost you more than $1,900 a year at the current price of $3.65 a gallon. Every increase of 35 cents a gallon adds nearly $200 a year to your commuting bill. If you work from home just one day a week at current prices, that's an annual savings of $384.

If you're not sure how a telecommuting program could work at your workplace, the Florida Legislature might have some answers. Both houses passed an energy bill last week that includes a telecommuting program for state workers. You could start by identifying appropriate jobs and barring employees with performance problems. Gov. Charlie Crist hoped the state could lead by example, so show H.B. 7135 to your boss.

Telecommuting is a stretch for teachers, mechanics, waitresses or obviously anyone who drives for a living. But carpooling is still an option for many. You could leave your car at work, so it's handy for child emergencies and errands. Or meet co-workers in a central location, like a movie theater or supermarket parking lot.

Yes, you may have to tell your teenagers that you aren't a taxi service. You may not be able to make as many midweek runs to the grocery store. But it adds up to big savings, and it's a lot easier to get used to than being broke.

Still "can't?" Fine. Then you have only yourself to blame. Wait for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Beg for releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Write your legislators and tell them that you'd like a gas tax holiday. Listen to car companies promise affordable electric cars that never show up at the dealership.

While you wait for salvation, keep in mind that one thing has consistently solved high oil prices: a recession.