Mass. site pulls together gas-saving resources

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick today unveiled a new Web site as part of a larger effort to help families and commuters to cope with rising gasoline prices.
“We know rising gas prices are placing added burdens on families and commuters across the commonwealth,” Patrick says on the new site. “With that in mind, members of my team have compiled a list of resources and tips to help improve your car’s gas mileage, find the cheapest gas prices in your community, and explore alternative means of transportation.”
To improve gas mileage, the site urges motorists to observe the speed limit, avoid idling and keep their tires properly inflated. And to save money, it offers links to two sites that help motorists find the cheapest gasoline at stations in their ZIP Code. Under public transportation, the site includes links to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; the Mass. Association of Regional Transit Authorities, whose member authorities handle public transit for the 231 Bay State cities and towns outside the MBTA district; the Mass. Highway Department’s map of park-and-ride locations across the state; and the Boston-area trip-planning utility at HopStop.com.
For those who can’t or won’t take public transportation, the site offers links to MassRIDES – the statewide carpooling and ride-sharing program developed by the Mass. Executive Office of Transportation – and to a number of external sites that also help connect cars with passengers.
Massachusetts travel and tourism information sites also are included, for residents who, “instead of taking long-distance (and therefore more expensive) vacations,” are looking to spend their summer break somewhere closer to home.
And new bicyclists may welcome the site’s links to bike-path maps and bicycle operating by-laws.
“But these are only short-term solutions,” Patrick says on the site. “We need to increase energy efficiency and stimulate the development of renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, and I will continue to work closely with the Legislature on initiatives including the Energy Bill, advanced biofuels legislation, green building practices and growing the clean-energy industry.”
The new “Gas Tips” site – prepared by the Mass. Governor’s Office – is posted at www.mass.gov.