Looking for a ride or a rider? Driving yourself to work can get really expensive, and really lonely.

When I talked last week with commuters who are tired of driving alone ("Riding out the hard times"), many were frustrated about their inability to find carpool partners. Surely someone would be glad to ride with Keith Hargraves from south of Garner to the Yonkers Road / WakeMed area in East Raleigh. Or with Debbie Knight, who makes the awful trek from Raleigh to Greensboro.

Here's a longer version [updated 8/31/08 with info for carpool-seeking school parents], with links, of my tips for ...

FINDING A CARPOOL / VANPOOL MATE

This week, as the price of Triangle gas hovers just one-tenth of a penny below $4 a gallon,
it might be nice to find a friendly, convenient carpool. A few folks who could take turns driving to work each day, save a little money, share the stress of traffic, get to know each other.

And if you've tried carpooling recently, how's it going for you? I'd like to hear from you for a News & Observer story.

More people seem to be testing the carpool waters these days.