You can have a g'day, mate, just for trying a commute alternative, and you could win a trip for two to Australia including airfare and accommodations. It's all part of RIDES California Rideshare Week 2000 from October 2 through 6, celebrating the theme "RIDES Down Under," and offering your chance to win the grand prize trip or many other prizes.

Whether or not you take home a prize, though, you'll have a pleasant commute and save some money.

All you have to do is try a commuting alternative at least once during Rideshare Week. It's that easy. Visit www.rides.org to register. While you're at the site, use the commute calculators to find out the costs of solo driving or check out other area commuting links. There's also information about different commuting incentives now being offered, such as those featured in our article on pages 4-5.

"RideShare Week is a great opportunity for people who have been thinking about commuting and are stuck in traffic to give a commute alternative a try," says Julia Maglione, communications manager for RIDES. "When they do they will see how easy it is and they'll be hooked."

Eligible commute alternatives include car and vanpooling, bus and rail transit services, bicycling, walking and even telecommuting.

Jeff Becerra, RIDES' director of marketing and outreach, notes that driving alone is an expensive habit.

"Using an alternative to solo driving can save individuals up to $3,000 a year and cut commute times," he explains.

RIDES' staff is happy to give commuters free, personalized consultations about commute alternatives, including carpool matching services. Visit their website or give them a call at 800-755-POOL.

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