To get started, all you have to do is go online and put your name on RTC's Ride Share list to get connected with a carpool partner. One pair says, it's not only a way to cut costs, but a great was to relieve stress and make friends too. Susan Kuznar and Karen Saggara say, once they signed up for the program, within a week they were car pooling. "The first time we got in the car we knew we were going to be good buds. The conversation started and it hasn't ended," says Saggara.

Sagarra and Kuznar have now been riding to work together for more than a year. They commute from Sun Valley to South Reno and Karen says, she loves having Suzie at the wheel. "Suzie does all the driving and depending in what the gas price is determines how much I give her. My car sits in the garage, and I'm not putting any wear and tear on my car, so it's been most beneficial for me."

Beneficial on the wallet and blood pressure. Karen gets road rage, so having suzie drive is a perfect match. Both ladies say, the added reward of carpooling has been a beautiful friendship. "We've gained a friendship in this, we share our lives together."

Of course there are days when someone is sick or out on vacation, but there's a solution for that too. Carol Perry, Trip Reduction Specialist with RTC says, "If you register your car pool on the website and sign up for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, if something unexpected comes up like someone has to work overtime or someone has a sick child, you can call a cab and get reimbursed for that car ride home."

For more information on RTC's Ride Share Program, call 775-335-1920 or 775-348-POOL. Or visit www.rtcwashoe.com or, email rtcsmarttrips@rtcwashoe.com.