Oakland County, Michigan, Wednesday, June 18, 2008 -- Chief Circuit Judge Wendy Potts announced a new effort today to help courthouse employees deal with the rising costs of gasoline - organized carpooling, complete with a database that will be used to link up employees who live near each other.

"We know that times are difficult and want to do everything we can to assist our employees and their families," said Potts. "Private businesses and companies across Oakland County are promoting carpooling and this was something we can do to help."

Potts commended the elected officials who joined with her, including Clerk/Register Ruth Johnson, Treasurer Pat Dohany and Chief Probate Judge Elizabeth M. Pezzetti. Tuesday's announcement came on the heels of approval of L. Brooks Patterson's proposed 4/10 work week that will be offered to some county employees.

"I've had employees tell me they are paying $400-500 gasoline bills a month," said Clerk Ruth Johnson.  "It isn't just gas prices that are making it so difficult - everything costs more now, from diapers to milk, bread and vegetables.  With carpooling, employees might be able to save more than half their current gas costs."

The voluntary carpooling program could be utilized by as many as 700 employees who work in the Oakland Circuit Court, the Oakland Probate Court, the Clerk/Register of Deeds Offices and the Treasurer offices at the county's courthouse, 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. Employees who carpool will be able to park in reserved parking areas.

A database has been set up so employees who wish to carpool can register, providing their name, community and nearest cross streets. Employees will be responsible for finding other workers who live nearby, work similar hours and who want to share gas costs. Potts said the database will include links to websites listing local gas stations with the least expensive gas prices, maps and tips on successful carpooling.

"Carpooling is just another tool in the tool box," Johnson said. "We will facilitate carpooling, but it will be the employees' responsibility to work out the details with each other and their driving schedules."

Gas prices are expected to hover around $4 per gallon this summer and into next year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Motorists are paying $4.05 a gallon on average across the country according to AAA - an increase of nearly $1 per gallon since January. (SOURCE: Associated Press, June 12)

Carpooling Tips (Michigan Department of Transportation)

• Decide if you are going to drive alternate days, drive every day or ride every day.
• If it is not a shared driving arrangement, agree on a payment schedule.
• Set up a line of communication. If someone can't make it on a given day, let the driver know in advance the day before. Don't forget to give notice of vacation, personal or overtime plans.
• Establish a time schedule and pick-up points. BE PROMPT.
• Establish a rule for latecomers. Decide how long the carpool will wait for a passenger (usually no more than 5 minutes).
• Avoid side trips on the way home.
• Keep the car clean, well maintained and filled with enough gas for each trip.
• Decide on radio use, smoking policies and other similar concerns before you start carpooling. Are snacks or beverages allowed?
• Have a back-up plan for emergency situations, i.e. if your carpool driver must leave early because of a family emergency or stay late for unexpected overtime.
• Develop an environment that encourages open discussion of pool-related conflicts or problems.
• Establish a chain of communications so adjustments can be made with a minimum of inconvenience; for example, early departure due to bad weather.
• An agreement to carpool isn't a binding contract, if you find it isn't for you, give your pooling partners a couple of weeks' notice so they can make alternate arrangements or find a replacement.