People Drive Information Transportation Riding Carpool Government Cities

In the United States, there are many types of programs that encourage people to drive less, usually because organizations or government "agencies" (parts of the government) want to reduce traffic congestion or protect the environment.

Many government agencies, businesses, and universities help people organize carpools. They might have websites where people can "upload" (copy information from one's computer to a website) information about where they live and where they want to go, as well as when. The website "matches people up" (finds people with similar needs) and helps them exchange contact information so that they can begin carpooling.

Many cities with public transportation offer free "parking garages" (large buildings where cars can park on many levels) next to major "stations" (places where subways, busses, or trains stop) so that people can drive to the station from their home and park for free if they take public transportation the rest of the way to work.

Other cities offer "transit" (public transportation) "vouchers" (pieces of paper that can be used instead of money to get services or goods) to people who "give up" (stop using) their cars. If someone reduces his or her driving, or stops driving "altogether" (entirely), he or she receives vouchers that can be used on city buses.

Some states are considering "pay-as-you-drive" insurance. Most drivers pay a "fixed" (unchanging) amount for insurance twice a year, based on the type of car that they drive and their "driving history" (how well someone has driven in the past and whether he or she has received tickets or been in accidents). With pay-as-you-drive insurance, drivers pay insurance for each mile driven, and this provides a financial "incentive" (a reason to do something) for driving less.