Roanoke, Va., February 4, 2008 - With gas prices skyrocketing and commuting costs now surpassing healthcare as the second highest household expense for the average Virginia family, RIDE Solutions, the regional carpool-matching and commuter assistance service, announces a greatly expanded resource for drivers in the Roanoke and New River Valleys looking to reduce their commuting expenses. The newly redesigned RIDE Solutions website, www.ridesolutions.org, boasts a multitude of new features, interactive tools, and information that helps drivers calculate their true commuting costs and find the best commute alternative for their situation. Some of the most exciting new features include:

• The RIDE Solver calculator, which determines how much time and money drivers are spending each year when they drive alone, and what the impact would be if they switched to carpooling, cycling, walking, or public transit.
• An Interactive Bike Map using Google Maps technology, providing route-planning resources for those interested in bicycling to work. The map boasts locations of bike racks, clickable bike routes, bike lanes, and alternative routes to help cyclists choose the safest and most convenient path to work, and other information.
• Businesses interested in becoming Workplace partners can submit a free online Employer Profile to have a customized analysis and marketing plan created for their worksites.
• An interactive map of formal and informal Park and Rides in the region, including the ability to map driving directions from a commuter's home or worksite.
• A Bicycle Commuting Guide suggesting what and how to pack for work, what kind of equipment you'll need, dealing with inclement weather, and other helpful information for new bicycle commuters.
• NewVA Moves, the RIDE Solutions blog.

The RIDE Solutions website is the source for alternative transportation in the region. Commuters can still register with RIDE Solutions for free carpool matching, and anyone who uses an alternative mode - carpooling, bicycling, walking or taking public transit - can register to take advantage of our Guaranteed Ride Home program. With oil prices reaching $100 a barrel and increasing concern about air pollution and vehicle emissions in the region, RIDE Solutions is dedicated to providing commuters with the tools and services they need to make smart commuting decisions to save money, reduce emissions, and be more productive on their commute.