Carpooling, Public Transit, and Ways to Drive Less
Find services, tools, and technologies to help you save money and reduce your transportation carbon footprint.
On Vermont’s rural roads, electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the best ways to put a dent in carbon emissions. But reducing vehicle use is just as important. Walking, bicycling, public transit, carsharing and vanpooling are all great alternatives to driving alone.
Ways to Drive Less
Carpooling, vanpooling, and public transit are excellent ways to cut down on driving and save money. Even better are no-fuel options like walking and biking, which are also good for your health. A growing Complete Streets movement is making Vermont roads safer and more accessible to all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. With a growing number of options, some Vermonters are saying goodbye to their cars altogether.
- Reclaim your commute, save money, and reduce single-occupancy driving. Plan a trip using the Go! Vermont Trip Planner.
- Reduce maintenance and insurance costs with public transit, vanpools, and carpooling.
- Use a car sharing service to cut car expenses in half if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year (Source: CarShare VT).
e-Bikes
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are just regular bicycles equipped with an electric motor. When activated, the motor will push your pedals for you. This makes e-bikes an ideal choice for commuting or hilly routes. Cargo e-bikes allow you to effortlessly cart kids or groceries around town. While they’re not as green as good-old-fashioned pedal power, they’re much better for the environment than a gas-powered car, or even an EV. Some electric utilities also offer purchase incentives. When you want a car-free option that gets you further than walking or regular cycling, look no further.
- Like a regular bike but equipped with an electric motor to power you through.
- An excellent option for commuting, big hills, or long distances.
- Trek groceries or kids around town with a cargo e-bike.
- Ask your utility about available purchase incentives.
The Housing-Transportation Link
If you’re shopping for a house or apartment, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But when you’re tallying your new monthly expenses, don’t forget to factor in how the move will affect your transportation costs—they’re typically a household’s second largest expense. Lower rents and mortgages may be less attractive if you’re located far from town centers and transit, necessitating more driving. Learn more about combined housing and transportation costs.