Low Carbon Transportation – San Rafael Climate Action

Carpooling saves time and money

Katia Carranza — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 20:44:50 +0000

Kenny, Art, Brendan, Tyler, and I (Gabe) bought a van together, and we carpool to work every day. Two people started driving together, but the initiative grew naturally. It was easy because we all work together and live nearby, and we were also interested in saving money and time. After a few years, we decided to buy a car because we figured it would be better for our personal cars. We found the van on Craiglist, and we were able to negotiate its price down from $3000 to $500. After talking to our Human Resources Department, we learned that there were rebates for carpooling, especially because we had taken off four cars from the freeway. The only real challenge with buying the van was deciding whose name was going to be used for the insurance and registration. I love carpooling. It’s nice to relax on the way to work, and we get to watch movies on the DVD player as someone else drives. Gabe Dias, San Rafael

When traffic is backed up, I’m taking a nice little 15-30 minute nap

jmyhre2021@marincatholic.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:11:47 +0000

I love commuting by public transit. 40 years later and I’m still using it.

Public transportation has served me well. I don’t have any of the parking hassles. When I had a car it cost me $300 per month to park it. So I’m saving money, too, especially with my employee commute benefits. But ultimately for me, it’s convenience. I live within 3 blocks of a bus stop in The City and I can walk to work from the San Rafael Transit Center. I don’t travel more than 30-45 minutes point to point. On my way to work in the morning, I read a book or plan out my day. On my way home, I take a nap. So that means I don’t have to pay attention to the road. It takes away the stress of driving; driving for me now is just for leisure. William Calhoun, San Rafael Public Library

Getting exercise and avoiding traffic!

jmyhre2021@marincatholic.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:02:11 +0000

I get to bike to work and meet some new friends on the SMART train when I use it as part of the commute. This has also allowed me to get to know some fellow employees better when we share a ride on the train. The best part is I get some exercise and I’m not sitting in traffic every day! Plus, my work has discounted SMART passes and other incentives, which makes it a better deal. If you are new to biking, find a friend to ride with. It’s the smart thing to do! Steve Mason, Senior Supervisor, Albert J. Boro Community Center.

My EV fits my dog and the volleyball team!

jmyhre2021@marincatholic.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:43:08 +0000

With ‘Dog Mode,’ I can bring Indigo with me around town and know that she’ll be nice and cool in the car. When I’m not running errands with my dog, I’m driving my daughters’ club volleyball carpools around Northern California. This spring, I drove the teams over 2500 electric miles, greatly decreasing my fossil fuel consumption and thus, my carbon footprint. I was able to fit 4 players and their luggage, and we travelled to Reno three times, with a quick 30-minute lunch stop to charge on the way. Annika Osborn, Sun Valley Neighborhood.

Climate Role Model: Chloe Caviness (EV)

SanRafaelAdmin — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 21:21:46 +0000

No trips to the gas station, ever again!

I’m saving $650 per year with my new e-Golf! I was paying $350 a month in gas and maintenance on my minivan but my new lease is less $300 per month. I can charge for free at work at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, and in addition to free charging, we are getting 60 new high-speed chargers installed this summer. It’s cheaper to drive my e-Golf than drive and maintain my minivan and of course better for the environment. But you really can’t beat cheaper! And no trips to the gas station, ever again!