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DAYTON — Laura Loges, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission official who drives Rideshare, a federally funded program that matches people who want to share commutes, can't say why only 1,727 commuters enrolled in 2007.

When it comes to Rideshare, a commitment to burn less gasoline probably won't get you sainthood, but it could get you a nice vacation.

The MVRPC's launch of the second year of "Drive Less Live More" — a car pooling, bike/bus riding promotion — has incentives and prizes. But even with the goodies and gasoline prices nuzzling all-time highs, participation is persistently low.

Loges' 2008 budget for Rideshare is $270,000. That includes a large chunk for TV, radio and billboard ads.

Bus riders appear to be increasing. The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority reports that passenger trips are up 4 percent this year from January to March compared to the same period last year, rising from 2.6 million to 2.7 million.

"You never know what people will place an emphasis on," she said, speculating that to save gas money, some are likely cutting down on restaurant visits or trips to the movies.

Rideshare hit a 10-year enrollment high of 3,735 in 1998.

Rideshare participants don't reflect every person who carpools in the area, just those who can't find a suitable match at work or school.

The function of Rideshare is to match people traveling the same route to and from school or work. The 2000 Census indicates that an average of 9 percent of Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Darke, Preble and Clinton county residents carpool to work, Loges said.

Last year, the census bureau released data showing that driving to work was the favored commute means of nearly nine of 10 workers nationwide, 87.7 percent. Most, 77 percent, drove alone. Approximately one in 10 car pool to work.

"We are a car town, like Detroit," RTA spokesman Anthony Whitmore said. "We have a love affair with our cars. I hear people complaining at the pumps, but I'd like to see more passenger trips than we have. Maybe when we get to five bucks per gallon of gas, and then people would take more seriously public transportation."

It's not for lack of trying. The MVRPC's "Drive Less Live More" contest is from May through August.

"We'll be offering monthly prizes to keep everyone engaged," said Don Spang, MVRPC executive director, said. The grand prize is a two-night stay and extras at the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Mich.

Steve Gomez, 50, of Beavercreek, van pools to the Defense Supply Center in Columbus with up to 14 fellow federal employees.

He enjoys a hefty federal subsidy and pays only $60 per month out-of-pocket for his commutes. Not a bad deal, he said.

Van pooler Markina Lacey, 47, of Dayton, sharing her ride for 10 years, is among about 250 people traveling to and from the Dayton area who share leased vans. These days, she travels to a Cincinnati insurance company with an accountant, a couple of bank employees, an employee in a legal office and a hotel worker.

The group leaves its rendezvous point near the Dayton Mall at 6:25 a.m. and hits downtown Cincinnati by 7:10 a.m. most days, she noted.

"It's very convenient," Lacey said.

How to join

RIDESHARE: A free program for anyone who lives, works or attends college or school in Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Preble, Darke or Clinton counties. Rideshare tries to match you with others who live and work or attend college or school near you. Register at: www.rideshareohio.com/

You also get: Guaranteed Ride Home Program. In case of emergency, it reimburses 80 percent of a taxi ride up to four times in a 12-month period. Also, for more about slashing your gasoline bill, see: www.drivelesslivemore.org or call (937) 277-4374.

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