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Carpooling around the bay

Avoiding an extra petrol consuming appliance from occupying the road is always a win.  This is achieved all over the world by informal and formal means.  Some places are more efficient at it than others.

The bay area is no exception.  Infrastructure that once may have sufficed is clogged with the increasing demands placed on it.  Government being what it is remains inefficient and therefore unable to provide a solution.   Another topic for another blog.

Meantime private enterprise steps in.  There are number of software driven solutions that can reside on a mobile phone and help the user get into a vehicle to transport more than one individual from point A to point B.

I myself prefer driving but have been able to use some of these Apps and pick random strangers in the direction of my travel thereby cutting travel time and also making some money.  You see if you add more individuals to the car you are qualified as a Higher Occupancy Vehicle which gives you the privilege of driving in (supposed to be) less crowded lane of traffic marked for said vehicles.

I get to my destination faster and the service provider gives me a token payment for the trouble.  Another side benefit is you (depending on your temperament) make new acquaintances.  I learn about other businesses that operate in my geography and what their employees feel about their work. 

Getting tips on eating options around the planet (assuming the other party also is into food) to me is the best payback!

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