Press Release - Friday, September 30, 2005
Press Releases
No Data
Lieutenant Governor Promotes Cost-Saving Strategies To Reduce Travel Costs and Save Money On Gas
CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Pat Quinn encouraged Illinois residents to join the Center for Neighborhood Technology's I-GO car sharing program, as well as promoting Tripmatch, a carpooling program which is designed to save money on travel costs.
"The effects of Hurricane Katrina have caused consumers to feel pinched by rising gas prices that stand at nearly three dollars per gallon throughout the state," Quinn said. "Consumers deserve a flexible, cost-effective means of meeting their transportation needs when mass transit is not convenient."
"The I-GO program will not only put money back in your pocket, but will also help you reduce traffic congestion, parking hassles, and air pollution throughout the state," Quinn said.
I-GO is a not-for-profit program, which provides members access to a fleet of new vehicles at a fraction of the cost of owning a car. Members pay a one-time fee of $75 and then pay only for the hours and miles driven. Members reserve a car for as long as they like and then return the car to its space. I-GO pays for gas, maintenance, insurance, license and city stickers.
I-GO is part of a national car sharing network called Flexcar, which has programs in cities like Seattle, Washington DC and Los Angeles. Begun in 2003, I-GO currently has 1,500 members throughout Chicago.
An I-GO membership with typical usage costs approximately $2,300 per year. Owning a car in Chicago, with insurance, gas and repair costs included, costs approximately $6,700 per year.
Another cost-saving option that the Lt. Gov. Quinn promoted was the Tripmatch program. This online carpooling program, initiated by the Green Government Coordinating Council chaired by Quinn, allows commuters seeking or offering carpools to post and search an online database for rides.
"Whether it's a state employee or someone from the private sector, this free, online program is a great way for commuters to save money getting to work."
More information on these programs can be found on the Lt. Governor's website at www.GreenSolutions.il.gov.
Press Releases
No Data