The Board of Directors of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service SMTS, Inc. approved research to learn of commuters wanting to reduce carbon emissions and travel costs with carpool system.   

Over 1,700 workers and student travel from Madision County to jobs, colleges and training centers in other counties.  

SMTS Director, Bill Osborne, outlined for the Board Members commuter's opportunity to help the environment and limit their cost of travel through carpooling or sharing rides.  "An average vehicle will release a pound of emissions per mile plus cost the driver 15 cents just for gasoline.  By helping one commuter share their daily trip to St. Louis could save over 5 tons of emissions and $3,500 of fuel annually."      Osborne went on saying "Most commuters are already sharing their trips with others from their communities, but still may have empty seats during the trip.   Other folks might gladly pay drivers $5-$10 for a ride to save costly gasoline, plus preventing wear and tear on their vehicle."

Ride share matching service already exists in Missouri's major cities such as St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia.   Progressive employers like Barnes Hospital, Washington University and Missouri Department of Transportation have assisted their employees with ride share planning information.   Commuters interested in sharing a ride should Email Osborne tma-ccc@ridesmts.org or call 783.5505.