Energy Conservation Project 2008

Carpooling

The Questions•How much gas can I save by carpooling to work?

•How much money will I save by carpooling with my car versus Scott’s truck?

Methodology• What is my car’s gas mileage? (mpg)• What is Scotts truck’s gas mileage? (mpg)• Calculating Gas Mileage– Zero out odometer– Fill up tank– Drive my route to work in my car– Drive my route to work in Scott’s truck

• Do I have to wait till my gas tank is empty?• Do I have to wait till Scott’s gas tank is empty?

• Record miles driven and gallons of gas pumped

Data Collection in my Car• At the gas pump– Zero out my odometer– Record the number of

gallons pumped– Calculate the gas

mileage

• Drive my morning route in my Pontiac

Data Collection in Scott’s Truck• At the gas pump– Zero out his

odometer– Record the number

of gallons pumped– Calculate gas mileage

• Drive my morning route in Scott’s Truck

Possible Errors in my Experiment

• Changing my driving habits daily (tendency to have a lead foot, excessive breaking)

• Making unnecessary stops (coffee, grocery store, post office)

• Leaving my car engine run• Driving in 4 wheel drive• Studs on tires

Data Analysis• Excel spreadsheet was used to analyze my

data• Mileage (mpg) = miles driven/gallons pumped

Distance Fuel Usage (per gal) Cost per gal MPG Average Total Cost Per TripNicky's Car 18.2 0.72 3.53$ 25.2 2.54$ Scott's Truck 18.2 1.2 4.35$ 15.16 5.22$ Difference 0 -0.48 (0.82)$ 10.04 (2.68)$

My Results• Carpooling in my car per day: $2.54• Carpooling in Scott’s truck per day: $5.22• Money saved by carpooling in my car per day:

$2.68• Money saved per week: $13.40• Money saved per month: $53.20• Money saved per year: $478.80

*Cost may change depending on gas prices*

Break it Down

Let’s take it a step further…What about the commuters to Anchorage?

• Everyday 28,223 people from the Mat-Su Valley are committed to commute to their jobs in Anchorage. The average commuter spends $11.30 per day commuting to Anchorage. Per month $226.00 and per year, $2712.00.

Distance Fuel Usage (per gallon) Cost Per Gal MPG Ave. Total Distance from Mat-Valley to Anch. 40 1.6 3.53$ 25.2 5.65$ Round trip 80.0 3.2 3.53$ 25.2 11.30$

Number of Commuters 28,223Gallons per day 90313.6Gallons per week 451568Gallons per month 1806272Gallons per year 21675264Cost Per Day (single driver) 11.30$ Cost Per Week (single driver) 56.50$ Cost Per Month (single driver) 226.00$ Cost Per Year (single driver) 2,712.00$ Cost Per Day (total commuters) 318,919.90$ Cost Per Week (total commuter) 1,594,599.50$ Cost Per Month(total commuters) 6,378,398.00$ Cost Per Year (total commuters) 76,540,776.00$

Techniques to Adopt • Communication:– How often will you carpool?– Where will you meet?– Who will you call if you are running late?– Does the driver have full coverage insurance?– How many carpoolers will there be?

• Carpool Costs• Establish Rules:– How long will the driver wait?– Driving safely?– Food and coffee stops along the way?– Food, coffee, smoking, perfume/cologne usage?– Radio choices?

Carpooling Etiquettcy101

• Do get in a habit of:– Communicate with your fellow carpoolers– Keep your vehicle clean and in good condition– Respect all rules the carpoolers have agreed on– Drive safely at all times

• Don’t get in a habit of:– Being late– Making personal stops– Talking on cell phone– Bringing up controversial topics (politics)

Questions for Later Experimentation

• How much would my gas mileage improve if I purchased a fuel efficient vehicle (Hybrid)?

• How much could commuters to Anchorage save if their was a transit system?

Conclusion

•Carpooling has definitely opened my eyes to the money that can be saved. Let’s think about the great good rather than ourselves. The environment will benefit from carpooling because we are reducing our economy’s need for oil. When you can, hitch a ride!!!

References

• Profile of General Demographic Characteristics 2000: www.labor.state.ak.us

• Carpool Tips http://www.marc.org/rideshare/carpooltips.htm