Fischer found them through the 511 Regional Rideshare Program--a web- and phone-based service that helps match commuters with van- and carpools.

There are 62 Campbell residents currently registered in the Rideshare database. Susan Gluss, a 511 Rideshare representative, speculated part of the reason the program has high usage in Campbell is because light rail stations and public transportation aren't easily accessible by all residents. She said once commuters find someone to travel with, they often drop out of the database, so the organization may be serving many more customers who live in Campbell.

The service is becoming more commonplace for those living and working in the South Bay. Rideshare recently expanded its program to accommodate more community members, Gluss said. But for commuters such as Fischer, the program offers more benefits than just a ride.

"511 Rideshare is a lifesaver," Fischer said. "I could not have made this commute every day if I had to drive by myself."

Fischer works for Focus Enhancements, a company that develops video production, ultra wideband wireless and video conversion technology. He was relocated in the spring of 2005 from the company's Orinda office to its Campbell location on Dell Avenue.

"There's a lot of stress being behind the wheel and driving all the time," Fischer said.

Fischer and his fellow commuters rotate driving days, which gives him a break to engage in conversation with the other passengers, listen to the radio or just take a snooze. Fischer heard about 511 Rideshare through a radio advertisement and saw signs for it while driving and decided to set up a carpool. Fischer leaves the house around
7 a.m. and gets to work in about an hour.

Although his commute has grown significantly longer, Fischer has no plans to move to the South Bay. He has lived in Orinda for 25 years, and doesn't have much of a mortgage left on his house.

"For the time being, I'll continue to carpool," he said.

The rideshare program is expanding into the Bay Area's Spanish-language market for the first time. As of Jan. 18, Spanish-speakers throughout the Bay Area were able to get detailed information about sharing rides at www.rideshare.511.org or on the phone at 511. The Spanish service, like all the travel information on the phone and web system, is free.

Gluss said commuters could save $100 or more a month on basic travel expenses by commuting in a car- or vanpool. The website features a calculator for commuters to figure the cost savings of pooling.

"My direct benefit is a lot less stress and saving money," Fischer said. "I find it appalling that my job is so far away from where I live. I don't want to be using that much gas. Any way you look at it, it's wasteful."

Bridge tolls, parking fees, automobile insurance, wear and tear on a vehicle and many more factors make pooling with other riders a cheaper option than flying solo. Car- and vanpool drivers travel toll-free across Bay Area bridges and can shorten their commutes with carpool lanes, Gluss said. In addition, the lone commuter driving 30 miles daily spews about 300 pounds of pollutants into the air each year, according to 511 Rideshare.

"It's a benefit for anyone who has to drive any distance--even a short distance," said Fischer, adding they have room for an additional passenger.