Commuter Services of Pennsylvania offers way to save money

Commuter Services is a 13-county federally funded initiative established to help reduce traffic and pollution, save taxpayers money, and provide commuting opportunities for employers, employees or even for leisure.

The Commuter Services of Pennsylvania program was created by the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Partnership in 2004. This nonprofit organization consists of metropolitan planning organizations, transit agencies and various chambers of commerce leaders.

The program initially started with cooperation from Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lebanon, Lancaster and York counties and later grew to include Adams, Berks, Franklin, Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill. The best part is that all of their services are entirely free.

Commute PA provides free ride-sharing and carpool partners, transit route information, resources for biking and walking, the ability to track your green commute and calculates the money you are saving or the calories you are burning in the process.

To start, just download the “Commute PA” app on your IOS or Android device or visit www.pacommuterservices.org. By using this service you can earn rewards such as discounts to both local and national restaurants and shops. You will also earn 1,000 points just for signing up.

Michele Scribbick, Community Outreach Specialist for Commuter Services, was asked how users can save money using the app, and she said, “Everyone enjoys having more money left in their pocket at the end of a pay period. Spending money on items you ‘want rather than exhausting your household budget on things you ‘need’ is a great benefit. Reducing the expenses related to your car … gas, mechanic, tires, insurance, parking and tolls makes those funds available for other enjoyable opportunities in life.”

The goal is to help improve the environment while at the same time ensure that residents that need a ride, especially to work, can find one. “Go Green” is one of the slogans of the group, and Scribbick, describes it as, “The goal is to lessen the amount of vehicle traffic on our roadways by limiting the number of single occupancy vehicles and instead educate commuters about non-drive alone modes such as carpooling, vanpooling, transit, walking and bicycling.

Fewer vehicles on the roads translates into less emissions and pollution and therefore creates a healthier planet for everyone.

Businesses and companies in the region have found this app to be extremely beneficial, and those not yet familiar with Commuter Services are asked to reach out for additional information.

Scribbick said, “Businesses typically get on board because there is zero overhead cost to use our programs, and when employees have more disposable income at the end of each month, they thank their employer for introducing the Commuter Services programs to the workforce. Some employers also take advantage of applying for the Best Workplaces for Commuters status, which is a national recognition for providing TDM services to their employees.” As the organization has developed, the mission has grown to provide a full realm of transportation demand management tools for use by employers and organizations throughout the 13-county service footprint.

To get started, simply fill out a profile and include your location and click “find rides.” A map will appear showing you any registered members in your area with whom you can connect to share a ride. You then record your trip to earn and redeem points. And unlike other apps that share your information, PA Commute is completely confidential.

For more information, visit pacommuterservices.org or call 866-579-RIDE.