Coupon Queen loves saving through Rideshare

While having a car is sometimes more convenient, the expenses involved in gas and upkeep are often overwhelming. As a result, it’s becoming more common for people to opt for public transit over expensive vehicle repairs when their cars have problems.

LaToia Jones, an eligibility worker for the County of San Bernardino, decided to let go of her old Ford Taurus when it broke down two years ago. She’s been ridesharing ever since, relying on a combination of riding the bus and carpooling with co-workers.

“I live out near Tyler Mall in Riverside, so I use both Riverside Transit and Omnitrans to get back and forth to work,” said LaToia. “I love Omnitrans because of the frequency. It generally runs every 15-30 minutes which makes it very easy to get where I need to go quickly.”

But it’s the savings that matters most to this county worker. “Driving the 91 was always ugly during rush hour and took forever,” said LaToia. “It used to cost me $80 to $100 a week in gas when I was driving. Now I pay that in a month. It’s a huge savings.”

Pinching pennies is a passion for this busy mom of two, who is always on the lookout for a great deal. “Couponing is a hobby with me, and I’ve gotten very good at finding free things online for my family and friends. Times are hard for everyone, so every little bit helps. I love saving money!”

Riding Omnitrans has not only been a boon to her budget, it’s also forged unexpected connections with regular passengers and coach operators along her route. One of the drivers shares her love of cooking and occasionally swaps recipes with her. “I told her I’d never had tamales before so she gave me the recipe to try. Once she even surprised me with a plate of cookies she’d baked for me,” LaToia said, smiling. “Things like that mean a lot.”

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email Juno Kughler Carlson at  juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

Rideshare saves money and grows friendships

Omnitrans employees Scot Huffman and Mark Crosby have been ridesharing for the past 4 1/2 years. Each of them saves around $100 a month in gas and having a friend along for the ride makes the time go by quickly.

“We eat lunch together on our breaks and one day the topic of ridesharing came up in conversation,” said Scot. “At first we weren’t sure we wanted to do it. But as it turned out, we were a great fit. We live in the same city and work similar hours. We also don’t have to go out of our way to drive to each other’s homes. My grandson and Mark’s son both go to the same preschool so it’s very convenient for us to meet there. It works out well.”

Mark, who is a member of the Omnitrans Green Team, also likes the fact they are helping the environment. “We’re putting one less car on the road and taking up one less space in the parking lot. And it definitely saves us money because it’s one less tank of gas a month that each of us has to buy and less wear and tear on our vehicles.”

Sharing the daily commute has also helped cement a friendship between the two men, who are now friends first and co-workers second. They share similar hobbies and interests, have gotten to know each other’s families and have even gone camping together.

Rideshare contests offered by the IE511 each year are an added bonus. Last year Mark won a $100 Best Buy gift card in the drawing. To learn more about how you can get involved with Rideshare visit http://www.ie511.org.  Pledge to Rideshare during California Rideshare Week (October 1-5) and you’ll be entered for a chance to win great prizes like an Apple iPad, overnights at a resort hotel, dinner for two, gift cards and much more.

Omnitrans FREE Ride Coupon
Celebrate Rideshare Week with a free ride on us! Simply download and print the Free Ride coupon from our website. Turn it in to your bus driver who will exchange it for one FREE Day Pass good for unlimited rides for one day only on our fixed-route buses between October 1 and 5. Visit our website at www.omnitrans.org for more details.