Free AAA Commute Alternatives Maps for `Try Transit Week'

9 September 1999

Free AAA Commute Alternatives Maps for `Try Transit Week'; Maps Show Richmond-SF Ferry, ACERAIL Stations

    SAN FRANCISCO--Sept. 9, 1999--Tired of traffic gridlock? Looking for a faster, cheaper, calmer way to commute? The new AAA Commute Alternatives Maps can help. Best of all, it's free and available at all Bay Area AAA offices, and online at www.aaa.com.
    The American Public Transit Association has declared Sept. 13-17 as national "Try Transit Week." Commute traffic typically increases following Labor Day weekend as schools reopen and summer vacations end.
    AAA, KCBS, KPIX and RIDES for Bay Area Commuters have teamed up to produce this handy tool for daily commuters and excursion travelers trying to navigate the maze of Bay Area transit routes.
    "The Commute Alternatives Map will help commuters discover options to driving solo," said AAA spokesman Paul Moreno. "There are more ferries, trains, commuter buses and ride-sharing programs available now than ever before. This map shows alternate modes of commuting, which help ease congestion, reduce stress and improve air quality."
    The Commute Alternatives Map is the only free, comprehensive overview of Bay Area transit systems. It includes phone numbers and Web site addresses of transit agencies, as well as information on carpooling, vanpooling and commuting by bicycle. Details on getting to airports by public transit are also included.
    The map features the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) train running between Stockton and San Jose, as well as the ferry between Richmond and San Francisco debuting Sept. 29.
    Maps are also available by sending a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to: KCBS, Attn: Commute Alternatives Map, One Embarcadero Center Suite 3200, San Francisco, CA 94111.
    AAA's partners in this event are sister stations KCBS radio and KPIX television. KCBS (740 AM) features traffic updates every 10 minutes. KPIX's Web site (www.kpix.com) and KCBS's Web site (www.kcbs.com) also have continual traffic updates.
    The other map partner, RIDES For Bay Area Commuters (www.RIDES.org), provides free commute assistance, including personalized carpool matching, help with joining or starting a vanpool, transit agency referrals, information on Bay Area diamond lanes, Park & Ride lots and assistance with bicycle commuting in the Bay Area. Call RIDES at (800) 755-POOL for more information.
    Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, insurance, travel and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves nearly 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.