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We all like to get more for our money when it comes to driving. But there are several ideas and products out there that, rather than boosting your MPGs, will just put a drain on your wallet.

Check out this article from MSN’s “Your Money” column, “5 Mileage Boosting Myths, Exposed.”

Of course, the best way to get more MPGs is to share the ride. Browse the rest of our website for FREE ridematching and lots of other information so you can choose the options that work for you.

A lot of discussion has occurred in the past few years about the world’s population and whether or not we can sustain such skyrocketing growth in terms of food and water. An additional complication of this growth is automobile traffic which could quadruple in our lifetime as growing economies (i.e. China) create more and more automobile consumers.

Automobile traffic today and subsequent congestion already contributes to longer commutes, dirtier air, and a host of other problems. As more and more cars hit the road… Well, you can do the math.

More and more emphasis is being placed on technology and its ability to manage vehicle growth. Still, we need policies that seek to slow the rate of growth by implementing strategic trip reduction programs that emphasize mass transit, car-sharing, bicycling, and walking. Technologies that eliminate the need to make trips (i.e. telework) must also be part of the policy discussion.

For a perspective on this subject, read a recent opinion piece by the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company.

As commuters feel the pain of higher prices at the pump, some are also starting to see the domino effect high gas prices has on the purchase of other goods and services.  Higher fuel prices mean companies are paying more to transport the products they put on their store shelves, and unfortunately, that results in higher prices to you.

Food is no exception.  That artichoke that gets shipped from California to Tallahassee is going to cost more.  So are bananas from Cost Rica and milk from Wisconsin.  You can minimize these higher prices by buying local fruits and vegetables.

Tallahassee is blessed with a variety of local farmers’ markets.  You’ll find them at scheduled and designated locations around the region, or you may see them pop up on the road side as you’re traveling to and from the beach.  Either way, many of these markets provide high quality fruits and vegetables, and because many are grown locally, you’ll pay less because the transportation expenses are less.  So, as we swing into spring,  buy local.

Whether you carpool, ride the train or take your own wheels, a lengthy commute can increase stress, bring on fatigue and contribute to your waistline, experts say. Read this MSNBC.com article for advice on tips for surviving your daily commute.

Even if you’re not quite ready to hop on the bus or dive into a carpool, there are LOTS of easy things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, everyday! The City of Tallahassee’s Idle Free Program has a list of ideas and suggestions to get you moving in the right direction.

Having trouble convincing the boss to let you work from home? Here are some tips from Bob Sullivan’s Red Tape Chronicles.

According to About.com, cars are one of the leading causes of noise pollution:

Cars–One of the complaints of those who live in big cities or on busy streets is the disruption from the sounds of traffic. Interestingly, though, even low levels of traffic noise can be damaging to people, and traffic noise is one of the most commonly experienced contributors to noise pollution.

Fewer vehicles on the road means less noise pollution for everyone. Read the full article to learn more about the negative effects noise pollution has on productivity and health as well as what you can do to reduce those effects.

Here are five tips to easily lower your transportation costs.

• Dealing with the Pressure!
  The number printed on your car tires is NOT the amount of air they need. That’s actually the maximum the tire can safely hold. The best tire inflation pressure for your vehicle is listed on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or the glove box, or check your owner’s manual. Keeping your tires at these recommended levels will make them last longer and your ride safer. And according to the US EPA, you’ll get a boost in fuel economy, too—saving as much as 8 cents per gallon!
• Lose Unwanted Pounds, Get Less Gas!
  Items that ‘live’ in your car cost you money! The weight of sports gear riding around in the trunk or the wind drag of an empty rooftop carrier increases the fuel your vehicle consumes. Whatever or whenever it’s not actually needed, you might want to take a minute and leave the extra stuff at home. Your engine–and your wallet–will thank you!
• Plan to Save Yourself some Money!
  Combining errands into one trip gets you better miles per gallon. A warm engine will use less gas—plus, arranging your stops can reduce the overall distance you travel. Since you’re planning ahead, you might even invite a friend along and reduce traffic, too. Go you!
• Time is Money!
  Sitting in rush hour traffic is more than just annoying–it’s expensive! Even in a reasonably fuel efficient vehicle, idling knocks you down to ZERO miles per gallon. Flexing your travel times keeps you out of those bumper to bumper lines. You’ll spend less on gas and arrive less stressed.
• Get the Lead Out… of Your Shoe!
  Driving the speed limit not only saves your life–it will save you money, too! Passenger vehicles, regardless of make and model, show a rapid drop in fuel efficiency at speeds over 60 mph. In fact, each 5mph over that mark is like paying an extra $0.24 per gallon for gas! All in favor of keeping your money—raise your right foot.

For more money-saving ideas about transportation, keep watching our website or call toll-free 1-888-454-7433 for Commuter Services of North Florida.

The idea of making our communities sustainable can seem daunting, but it’s really just a matter of will. Read this article about a little town that reached their 2050 energy consumption goal in 2007!

Here’s a wild vacation idea: for about $5,000, you can spend 12 days… in you car! The average American racks up a total of 1-2 weeks in their car and spends $5,477 on gas and other auto expenses last year, according to Bundle data. That’s more than what’s spent on groceries or utilities. And it’s more than what’s spent on travel, entertainment, clothes and shoes, and hobbies — combined. Check out the data for yourself.