Jun 27th, 15:43

Spend Less Money on Gas with these Gov't Programs

Looking for ways to avoid spending extra on gas? Do you need transportation alternatives to your own car?

People have come up with different ways to cope with this current crisis that has beset the nation. If you are like most people, you may have already taken on an extra job or started selling off possessions to help pay for the cost of fuel. You may have also begun to use your car less. But certainly, there are situations where you can't avoid but hop in the car, start the engine and let it burn precious gas (money) each mile you go, just so you could get to work or school and function as usual. How to deal with this dilemma? 

Have you thought about turning to the government for help? Consider what benefits you may get:

*Tax-free monthly transpo allowances for employees

For instance, the IRS has Tax Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits which gives employees a monthly allowance of $105 for transportation. It's mandated by the law and tax-free so you need not worry that it will be shaved off your pay. Just go to your nearest IRS office to know more about this program.

*Free or low-cost rides for seniors (and the young 'uns too!)

If you're 65 years old and above, you could enjoy discounted, if not free, transportation through specialized programs for senior citizens. Among these programs are:

1. Amtrak's Reduced Fare Program for discounted bus and train rides. Students and those in the military can also take advantage of this offer.
2. The Administration on Aging offers the Eldercare Locator which shows seniors where they can get free transportation to the hospital, bank, or grocery store through its wide network of helping organizations.
3. The Federal Transit Administration gives senior citizens free rides along with disabled persons. The general public can also enjoy these rides on an "incidental" or case-to-case basis.

Children are also covered by the government's agenda. Many local carpool services offer the Guaranteed Ride Home Program where parents without a car can pick up their sick kids at school through a free ride or use of a rental car. This also applies to other emergency situations. This may require registration so it's best to contact your local carpool services.

*Blood for gas 

The American Red Cross has its unique way of giving back to blood donors. The Greensboro Chapter offers donors between June 1 to 30, 2008 the chance to win a $750 gas card. For more information about similar programs available in your area, visit your local American Red Cross chapter.

*Other examples of great gas-savers 

Other gas-saving government programs are found only in certain areas. Among these are:

1. Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) - in service in Atlanta, Georgia, this gives out a gallon gas for free to motorists who run out of fuel on the road.
2. Wheels to Access Vocation and Education (WAVE) - a transportation service that gives discounts to children and senior citizens. This is available in York County, Maine and also offers discounts to those who are about to start job trainings and are going to their second and third shift jobs.
3. Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) - Detroit offers jobseekers one month's worth of free bus passes as soon as they get accepted.
4. Dial-A-Ride (DAR) - a specialized seven-days-a-week transportation scheme implemented in Modesto City for people who are 65-years old and above or those with disabilities. The public can also get a ride at designated hours.
5. In North Carolina, counties are provided with vans to get people to and from work at very low cost.

Other local government offices may have similar programs that you can check out and apply for. During difficult times, we all could use some help, especially from the government. Sometimes all it takes is to step forward and ask for help from Uncle Sam.

To Do List: - Suggested Links:

1. Increase Your Income:
   
   Get an online degree with financial aid from the government.
2. Consolidate Your Bills:
   Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
3. Reward Yourself:
   Get a new computer for free.
4. Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
   Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
5. Bargain prices on government auctions
   Discounts on foreclosed property, liquidations, surplus items