Commuter Services of South Central Pennsylvania this week announced it has hit a milestone of 10,000 commuters in its confidential on-line ride matching database, double the number of commuters in that database at the end of 2007.

Commuter Services promotes alternatives to commuting alone to the estimated 830,000 commuters who live or work in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties. Primary outreach is through employers in these counties, and all services are free.

Currently, about 60 percent of commuters seeking ridematches receive at least one potential match. Some may receive 10 or more matches, and match lists are routinely updated.

Whether or not they are looking for someone to share a ride, commuters can sign up in the database to be eligible for reimbursements for emergency rides home. That free program is extended to commuters who use options (from transit to carpools to biking) at least twice a week.

More than 70 percent of the commuters in the database are a result of Commuter Services employer outreach activities and events. Others come from sources including media coverage, “Try Transit” and “Try Carpooling” road signs, Web site links and billboards.

Despite a recent dip in gasoline prices, Commuter Services has seen no reduced interest in its programs, which are funded through federal Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality dollars.

To get into the database to find potential commuting partners, commuters complete a ride matching application or apply online to provide some information about their trip. They receive lists of potential carpool partners as well as tips for successful ridesharing.

For more information, visit the Commuter Services of South Central Pennsylvania website or call 1-866-579-RIDE.

9/5/2008