Drive

Drive Less, Save More!

If walking, biking, or transit are not the best fit for your travel needs, keep in mind there are several options other than car ownership or driving solo, including: Carpooling, CarSharing, and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). Also consider the benefits of Electric Vehicles if purchasing a vehicle.

$0

per year

Save $$

Using a carshare program can save you up to $8,000 a year in vehicle operation and maintenance costs!

0 less

day
per week

Take Action!

Commit to using your car 1 less day/week; or checking your tires are properly inflated or checking/changing your air filter, or carpooling the next time you go hiking, etc.

Carpooling

Carpooling, Vanpooling, and Schoolpooling are great options to share the burden of driving with other commuters while also reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Choosing to carpool or vanpool can help you reduce the cost of vehicle maintenance and give you time for relaxation or preparation while on your way to work. Schoolpooling can provide a better connection with your community while cutting back on driving.

For longer trips (> 23 miles), including from Boulder to Denver, or to Colorado ski resorts, check out TreadShare, a low cost carpooling app.

CarSharing

CarSharing organizations provide members access to vehicles for trips on a pay-as-you-drive basis. By choosing carsharing, you have the benefit of using a car when you need it without the cost of car ownership. There are multiple plans available to fit your individual driving needs.

Colorado CarShare - Colorado’s first carshare organization - started right here in Boulder over 20 years ago! Currently serving Boulder with over 25 locations, including the CU-Boulder campus.

Zipcar/Avis - the nation's largest carshare provider. Currently serving Boulder with six locations, most of which are on the CU-Boulder campus.

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)

Ridehailing companies (also known as Transportation Network Companys or TNCs) provide on-demand rides for individuals and groups. TNCs provide convenience for riders but may not cut back on road congestion and emissions so they are best used as a last resort. To make your ride as green as possible, choose to "share your ride."

charles-deluvio-6OF-Ly-5oJY-unsplash ride share

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Consider buying an electric vehicle (EV)

Be part of Colorado's transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). The Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan 2020 calls for many measures, including a roadmap to a completely electric light-duty fleet in Colorado.

Learn about the latest in the Colorado EV scene by visiting https://northerncocleancities.org.

When you purchase an EV you become eligible for a Zero Emissions Vehicle Tax credit and Federal Tax Credits for All-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (fueleconomy.gov).

Avoid some common myths about electric vehicles; check out Electric Vehicle Myths.

Check out Xcel Energy's rebate programs to assist homeowners in installing EV chargers at home.

Tips To Reduce the Impact of Driving

Change the way you drive to reduce fuel consumption

Drive only when you must; reducing trips is by far the best way to save money and reduce fuel consumption.

Stop the idling. Vehicles warm up and start up quickly these days. Leaving your car idling for more than ten seconds uses more fuel than restarting. http://www.edf.org/attention-drivers-turn-your-idling-engines

AAA Tips for improving fuel efficiency