I used to commute 55 miles each way alone in my Toyota pickup truck from Sturbridge to Genzyme in Cambridge. Being a nature-lover from birth made this hard on my conscience, but I loved having the truck for camping and kayaking.
After talking with friends and co-workers and realizing that much of our monthly income was paying for tolls and gas -- we were each paying $60 per month on tolls alone -- our three-person carpool was born. We signed up for a commuter pass and began carpooling three to five days per week. We were meeting 19 miles from my house, and commuting the rest of the way together, 36 miles. At the end of June I moved even closer to work, making my trip to the carpool meeting spot only 3 miles.
At times carpooling is tough, like on those days when you're not feeling good and want some peace and quiet. But overall it is fun and pleasant, and gives us a chance to talk about our ongoing work projects while we ride (dorky, I know). I enjoy the company and the discussions we have, and the money I am saving every month is great -- hundreds of dollars.
The following poem can better explain the situation:
Driving alone was never fun;
My bank account was getting low.
The tolls and gas and everything else
Were eating up all of my dough.
I was driving my truck and feeling bad,
About the footprint I had made.
What was I thinking? I've loved this Earth,
Ever since the very first grade.
I needed a change, I needed the cash,
I needed some friends for the ride.
And now I have it all, our carpool is great,
And makes me feel good inside.
We talk about science, we chat about things,
All the while we know,
That carpooling to Genzyme, four days a week,
Is so the way to go!
And so I get to keep my truck,
For all my outdoor fun,
But I needn't feel bad about hurting the Earth,
For she's my number one!
Jennifer
Genzyme Framingham
BLOGGER'S NOTE: Most carpools are formed by people who already know each other.
BLOGGER'S TIP: The Mass Pike offers a carpool transponder for use by 3-person carpools for $28, plus an annual toll of $25 or $50, depending on what zone you travel from.
