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The season of resolutions is upon us.

Some of us will get back to the gym. Some will reconnect with long-lost friends. Some will decide to make a difference.

Here's a thought for our consideration: exploring new ways to get where we need to be.

How do we travel to work? To play? To shop? Many of us drive and maintain our own vehicles, making the daily trek into a growing sea of traffic.

Some folks are taking a serious look at alternative forms of transportation, not only from an environmental perspective but also from a cost-saving perspective.

Jeremy Holmes, program director for Ride Solutions, is hoping the new year will bring a renewed interest in carpooling.

Ride Solutions, said Holmes, is a free carpool matching service for people living or working in the Roanoke and New River valleys.

"We're here to help people explore and create new ways of looking at the way we live and work," Holmes said.

The program currently works with 200 participants either looking for a carpool or exploring alternative forms of transportation.

A majority of the carpooling employees work for employers located in Northwest and Northeast Roanoke.

"Our major priority for the coming year is to partner with businesses and raise awareness about the benefits of carpooling," Holmes said.

When asked about key benefits for businesses, Holmes cited both idealistic and practical benefits.

"Idealistically," Holmes said, "this is an easy way for businesses to get involved in enhancing environmental quality."

"It's an opportunity to change the way we are stewards toward air quality, energy consumption and quality of life," Holmes said. "Practically, there is a money-saving side to carpooling.

"An employer can reduce the need for employee parking or parking subsidies, reduce overall costs, and open up more options for customers."

By promoting carpooling, businesses can also reduce employee absenteeism by addressing health issues, such as asthma, related to poor air quality issues.

For people considering carpooling as a new alternative, the benefits are numerous.

"It's a way to save money," Holmes said, "especially with gas prices where they are."

Holmes said carpooling can also reduce stress. "You don't have to drive every day and deal with traffic. With someone else driving, you can chat, nap or relax."

For many people, the greatest joy in carpooling is the social connection. It provides an opportunity to get to know others.

In an increasingly fast-paced society, "it's nice to have someone to talk to," Holmes said.

Another important feature of Ride Solutions is its new Guaranteed Ride Home program.

Holmes describes it this way: "If someone leaves their car at home to participate in a carpool, and experiences a problem while at work, they may ask, what now?"

Ride Solutions will guarantee a taxi ride home, up to four times a year, for certain situations including a sick child or unexpected overtime.

For someone who cycles to work, the ride may be available when a sudden storm arises.

Ultimately, Ride Solutions is here to help us look at alternative ways for transportation and how to be good stewards of the air, energy and environment.

Start 2007 with a new year ride-solution!

Membership is free. Just go to www.ride solutions.org to sign up, or call Jeremy Holmes at 342-9393.