www.RIDESAVER.COM Provides Links to Everything from Traffic to Weather
DIAMOND BAR, Calif., (February xx, 2001 - Ever wonder what the weather is going to be like, what the traffic conditions are or the best route to take to work? Now, commuters can find the answer to all these questions and more by clicking on to a new website launched by the County of Riverside - www.RIDESAVER.com . The new site has over 70 links to commuter-oriented resources, providing a wealth of information for Southland travelers.
A graphically-pleasing home page complete with a cartoon depiction of the "Rideshare Hero" leads viewers into a series of icons including, The Daily Commute, Ridesharing A La Mode, So Why Rideshare?, Save $$, Clean Air in Southern California and Get Free Stuff. There is also a clean air section for kids and special intranet access just for Riverside County employees featuring an array of employee resources and rideshare incentives. Designed by a team of Riverside County rideshare department employees, the website was funded by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee who is responsible for funding transportation-related projects that reduce air pollution in Southern California. "We wanted to design a friendly, upbeat website that provides commuters with every resource possible to inspire them to rideshare," said William G. Kleindienst, chairman of the MSRC and mayor of Palm Springs. "Instead of turning on their local news every morning, commuters can log onto the website and receive customized information about traffic on their route to work and find out what the weather is going to be like." In addition to weather and traffic information, the website features ridesharing information with links to carpool and vanpool matching services, telecommuting, and information on walking and bicycling to work. By clicking on the "So Why Rideshare?" icon, commuters can read all of the excuses for not ridesharing and all of the responses from Southern California Rideshare that may convince even the most committed drive-alones to give ridesharing a try. "For some commuters, there is always a reason why they can't rideshare," said Kleindienst. "We offer some alternative options, with a humorous touch, for them to consider." There is also a section with information on mass transit including bus and commuter rail service, as well as air quality elements with links to local agencies. Commuters can order Metrolink schedules, park and ride maps and bike publications online under the "Get Free Stuff" section and also calculate how much they could save by ridesharing under the "Save $$$" section. The website also features an extensive catalog of digital photographs of Riverside County landmarks and contains a live action commercial of The Rideshare Hero, complete with tights and cape. For more information, log on to the County of Riverside website at www.ridesaver.com or click on to the MSRC website at http://cleantransportationfunding.org.