Matthew Lesko, New York Times Best-Selling author and the America’s #1 Government Money Man, has identified over 21 government programs to help with transportation costs. Here are a few of the little-known American Gas Saving Benefits that Lesko wants you to know about:

• Get $105/Month From Your Employer For Commuting To Work…
  Through a program called “Tax Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits.”
  
  
• Free Rides To The Doctor For Grandma…
  Most every community has government subsidized programs that provide free rides for seniors to make a doctors appointment.
  
  
• Free Rides To Pick Up A Sick Child At School…
  Communities all over the country participate in the “Guaranteed Ride Home” program that provides free taxies or rental cars to commuters with family emergencies. 
  
  
• Get Your Car Repaired for FREE…
  Before you pay for an expensive car repair bill you should check with the U.S. Auto Safety Hotline; your car may be subject to a recall that can get your repair done for free.
  

There are also programs that will give your free legal help to fight your auto dealer, free airfare if you volunteer as a currier, free rides to work, and cars at government auctions that go for 3 cents on the dollar. Get all the details below…

21 Programs For Gas Guzzlers

Free Rides To The Doctor For Grandma

Many seniors have to give up driving their cars, perhaps because of the cost or illness. But then how do they get to the doctor or the bank or the store? Many rely upon their friends and children to solve their transportation needs, but there are times when you need to come up with another alternative.

The Eldercare Locator provides access to an extensive network of organizations serving older people at state and local community levels. This service can connect you to information sources for a variety of services including transportation. For more information, contact Eldercare Locator, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Washington, DC 20201; 800-677-1116 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST; www.aoa.gov.

Suppose your child is sick at school and needs you in the middle of the day, but you don’t have a way to get there because you go to work most days by some other way than using your car.  Don’t panic. You can probably get a free ride, taxi, or free rental car from the local “Guaranteed Ride Home Program.”

You can also use the service for most family emergencies if your normal ride falls through, or if you have to work late unexpectedly. Call your local carpool or vanpool service to see if they have a similar program. Most of these programs require that you pre-register, but it is always best to plan ahead for emergencies anyway.

If you do a computer search using the terms (including the quotes) “guaranteed ride home program,” you will find a listing of many of the programs offered.

DISCOUNTS on Buses, Trains and Subways

If you are a senior citizen, you can usually ride most forms of transportation for about half-price. Amtrak and Greyhound offer discounts of 5-15% for the senior set. Children even get to take advantage of discount programs, with the youngest group often getting a free ride.

Don’t forget to ask about a variety of reduced fare programs, including student and military discounts. Often job training programs will compensate you for your travel, so before you begin training, inquire about support services such as transportation and child care.

Cheap Air Fare To See A Sick Relative

Not free, but at least you don’t have to pay full price. When a family member is very ill or has died, families have to make last minute airline reservations. Obviously you lose out on the 21-day advance purchase rates, but almost all airlines offer bereavement or compassion fares for domestic travel.

Generally the fares are available to close family members, and the discount on the full-fare rate varies from airline to airline. Many require that you provide the name of the deceased and the name, address and phone number of the funeral home handling arrangements. In the case of a medical emergency, the name and address of the affected family member and the name, address and phone number of the attending physician or hospital are required.

Contact the airline of your choice to learn more about the “Bereavement/Compassion Fares.” Full fare rate varies from airline to airline, but you could save up to 50%.

Free Cars To Go On Vacation

Not quite as easy as it sounds, but there are programs out there to help people move their cars. Most of the cars need to be driven across the country and in exchange, many car moving companies offer free gas and airline travel home.

This is not to say that you can take your family on a minivan vacation across the country. Certain rules and restrictions apply. But I have known many a college kid that has gotten to drive across the U.S. for free.

Obviously, you do not get to pick your make and model, and you need to be flexible as to the departure time and destination, but this is one way to see America. Contact local moving companies to see what they have to offer. There is even a website for those interested in having their cars moved at www.movecars.com and they may be able to provide you with information.

Fly Free As A Volunteer Air Courier

Air courier services operate the same way, but you are required to have a valid passport. Most air freight services don’t do enough business to send a plane overseas each day.  As a courier, you carry a package checked as baggage to an overseas destination. There have been no incidences of contraband problems, and customs is familiar with this service.

You deliver the package to a company representative in the customs section of the airport, then you are on your own. In exchange, you get to fly to exotic ports for FREE or cheap. Children are not allowed to accompany couriers. Contact companies listed in the air courier section of your phone book, do a web search using the terms “air courier service,” or contact the Air Courier Association at 800-339-7556; or online at www.aircourier.org.

Is Your Car Green?

A guide developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information to consumers about the environmental performance of vehicles.  The larger the number either in score or in fuel economy is better for our environment.  You can look up a specific vehicle, a type of vehicle, or find a cleaner vehicle.  Contact: Green Vehicle Guide, Certification and Compliance Division, National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; 734-214-4200; www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/.

Free Gas Savings Tips

The government will help you become as fuel efficient as possible.  Their fuel savings website can do everything from helping you determine which fuel efficient car to buy, where to find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood, tips on saving gas, and a printable fuel guide to keep track of your car’s consumption.  You can view information on the website or order copies of the fuel guide by contacting: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center, 656 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; 877-337-3463; www.fueleconomy.gov/.

Free Publications About Car Buying, Repairing and Saving Gas

1. “Gas Savings Products – Find Out Why Most Don’t Work”
2. “Good, Better, Best: How to Improve Gas Mileage”
3. “The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline”
4. “Consider the Alternatives: Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle    Fuels”
5. “Tips for Buying a Used Car”

These five publications are available from the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania, NW, H-130, Washington, DC 20580;
877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/automobiles/index.html. 

Tax Deductions For Your Car

• 37 ½ cents per mile if you use your car for business (IRS Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gifts and Car Expenses)
  
  
• 14 cents per mile if you use your car during charity work (IRS Instructions for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions)
  
  
• 14 cents per mile if you use your car for medical care (IRS Instructions for Schedule A, Itemized Deductions)
  
• 14 cents per mile if you use your car to move to a new job (IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses)

These publications are free from your local IRS office or you can download and print them right at home.  Contact: IRS, 800-829-1040; www.irs.gov.

Improve Your Gas Mileage

With fuel prices so high do everything you can to save gas.  The Federal Trade Commission has published “How to Improve Gas Mileage” that gives dozens of ideas to improve fuel efficiency.  Check out the article online at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/fuelalrt.pdf or call 877-FTC-HELP.

Drive Wise

Transportation consumes about 25% of the total energy used in the United States.  If you think before you drive you can help lower pollution and at the same time save yourself in transportation costs.  Read the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Drive Wise” to learn more.  Contact: EPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460; 202-272-0167; www.epa.gov/air/actions/drive_wise.html.

Improve Air Quality and Save Gasoline

The Environmental Protection Agency publishes several brochures to improve both air quality and gas consumption when it comes to driving your family car.  Titles include:

• Your Car and Clean Air: What You Can Do to Reduce Pollution
• Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage
• Your Car and Clean Air: What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution
• Clean Cars for Clean Air: Inspection/Maintenance Programs

Contact: Transportation and Air Quality, EPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460; 202-272-0167; www.epa.gov/otaq/.

Free Saving Tips

Edmunds.com has a great list of musts if you want to save money on your gasoline consumption.  They list the top ten things that you can do right away to improve your gas mileage. See www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/103164/article.html.

More Free Articles

MotherEarth.com’s online site offers several articles that may help you choose the right car to buy or simply help you save some money on your gas consumption in the car already in your driveway.  The online articles include:

• Pay Less at the Pump: The Hybrid Revolution
• Fuel Economy and Ecology: Green Means Go
• Making Wiser Transportation Choices: Average Gas Mileage

You can view all of these at www.motherearthnews.com/top_articles/2005_October_
and_November/Fuel-Economy-and-Ecology-Green-Means-Go .

What is the Best Car to Buy?

Buying a new car is usually the second most expensive purchase you make, after the purchase of your home.  So getting the most for your money is important.  Knowing information about fuel efficiency can save you even more over time.  There are several buying guides and publications available to help you choose the car that is right for you and your wallet.  The most common resource guide is Consumer Reports.  They publish automobile review guides that are available at your local library.  Consumer Reports Online allows you to search through a variety of reports.  They do charge a fee for some of their services.  Contact: Consumers Union, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703-1057; www.consumerreports.com

• “Buying a New Care and Buying a Used Car” are available for free from the Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580; 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov .
• NADA Guides provide information on a variety of car buying subjects.  Browse their web site to learn all you can about the best car for you to purchase.  National Automotive Dealers Association, www.nadaguides.com/autohome2.aspx?Lnk=1&wSec=10&wPr=0&wPg=2111

Take the Bus

If gas prices are getting too high for your budget, take the bus or train.  Senior citizens can usually ride most forms of public transportation for about half-price.  Check your local transportation company online, as many have a trip planner to help you get to where you want to go. 

To Hybrid or Not to Hybrid?

That is the question.  If you are wondering if hybrids are here to stay or just a fluke, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Freedom Car and Vehicle Technologies can help you decide.  They develop more energy efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation.  Contact: Office of Freedom Car and Vehicle Technologies, EE-2G, Room 5-G-030, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-8055, Fax: 202-586-7409; http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/index.html

FREE or Low-Cost Rides To Work, School, or Day Care

North Carolina has programs where counties are given vans to transport people back and forth to work, with lower costs than driving your own vehicle.

York County, Maine will let you ride the WAVE, a job access and education transportation service.  Transportation provides: home pick-ups, day care drops-offs, major employee and education drop-offs in the Sanford area.  Costs are low and discounted for children and seniors 62 years and older. 

Dial-A-Ride in the City of Modesto provides specialized transportation seven days a week for persons 65 years old and those with disabilities.  Although this is primarily for the disabled and seniors, the general public may also ride during specific times.

To start looking for programs like this in your area, contact your local congressman’s office or your local social service agency. You should also find out about local vanpool and rideshare programs. Your local chamber of commerce or library may have this kind of information for you.

Get One Month of Free Bus Passes

Detroit’s Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) has a program called “Get a Job/Get a Ride” that gives a month’s worth of free rides to anyone in the Detroit area who gets a job.

The only requirement is that you have started a new job within the last 30 days, work at least 32 hours a week and never have received the pass in the past.  New Jersey will give a free one-month pass to those on low income that get a job or are going to training. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Transit Authority.

Buy A Car at 3 Pennies on $100

The government estimates that their auctions give them 3 cents for every $100 they spent on the original item. I’ve never seen those Jeeps for $1 advertised in the back of magazines, but one official said that he has seen vehicles with less than 3,000 miles being sold for well under $1,000. Cars and trucks can go for as little as $100. The price of cars varies depending upon who attends the auctions.

The two major agencies that sell vehicles at auctions are the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense. To find the auctions nearest to you contact:

U.S. General Services Administration
Personal Property Disposal Solutions
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20405
703-605-5610
www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/home.do?tabId=3

Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service
74 N. Washington Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017
1-888-352-2255
www.drms.dla.mil

Free Legal Help to Fight A Car Dealer or Repair Shop

When you can’t get satisfaction from the manager or owner, then it is time to bring in the big guns:

• Your state attorney general’s office is set up to handle automobile complaints. Sometimes all you have to do is send a letter to the attorney general with a copy to the business owner.  The office is in your state capitol which you can find by calling the state capitol operator or going to www.govengine.com and clicking on your state.

• Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP) is a complaint handling system sponsored by the automobile industry for new or used car purchases from NEW car dealers only. AUTOCAP is conducted by many State Automobile Dealers Associations.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line is a FREE, out-of-court arbitration program, paid for by the business community to handle automobile complaints between consumers and most auto manufacturers. Contact your local Better Business Bureau or BBB Auto Line, Dispute Resolution Division, Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22202; 703-276-0100; www.dr.bbb.org/autoline/index.asp/.

Free and Low Cost Seminars On How to Buy A Car

You can’t just go on color alone! You need to become savvy as to what options to look for and how to negotiate with the dealer. Do you really need rust proofing? What is the difference between the invoice and the sticker price? How can I find out what the dealer paid for the car?

Don’t be intimidated by salesmanship. The dealer wants your money, so they don’t want you to leave without signing on the bottom line. Many different organizations and groups offer classes on how to buy a car. Contact your county cooperative extension service, your local adult education department, or women’s organizations in your area to see what they may have to offer.

Get Your Car Repaired for FREE

June Rapp of Massachusetts took her family van into a dealer to have it fixed and they wanted to charge her over $1000 to make the repairs. She called the U.S. Department of Transportation and found out that her problem was part of a manufacturer recall. Recalls have to be fixed for free and the repair shop didn’t know that. To find out about recalls for any car, contact:

• Auto Safety Hotline, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 888-327-4236; www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/  

• The Consumer Reports people have a searchable database for car recall information. Contact Consumers Union, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703; www.consumerreports.com.

What’s The Safest Car To Drive?

Let the crash test dummies help you learn the safest car to drive. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has been using these guys for years to analyze the crash protection of various automobiles.

The DOT operates the Auto Safety Hotline that dis—tributes the Vehicle Crash Test report showing the crash protection provided to front-seat occupants in accidents for all new cars each year. It also lists types of protection available in the cars, such as air bags or anti-lock brakes.

An interesting feature of the Hotline is that you can search the Technical Service Bulletins by make and model to see what kinds of problems or issues have come up for the car you are considering. You can also search the consumer complaint listings and recall information as well.

If you are having a problem with your car, register your complaint with the hotline. Yours may be just the call they need to start a recall!

For your free copy and more information, contact National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Auto Safety Hotline, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 888-327-4236; www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Should You Buy or Lease A Car?

“A New Car with No Money Down” may sound enticing but beware of the fine print when you are considering leasing your next car.

The Attorney General in the state of Maryland warns that a couple returned their Chevrolet at the end of a 5-year lease in good condition but received a bill for $3,251 for reconditioning. An Annapolis consumer was surprised to learn that every time she took her car in for repair she was charged a $50 deductible.

Leasing may be an interesting option if you like changing cars often and making car payments forever. But be sure you get all the facts before you decide.

• “Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide” and “Look Before You Lease” are available free from Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference Room 130, Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222, 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov.

Free and Low Cost Seminars On How To Fix Your Car

What do you do if you are driving on a freeway and you get a flat tire? How often should you change the oil and can you do it yourself? How do you jump start a car? It is better to plan ahead for emergencies, but where do you go for help?

Many different organizations and groups offer classes on how to fix a car. Begin by contacting your local car insurance company, automobile road service company, or department of motor vehicles. I have even seen classes being offered by automobile dealerships. Once you are there, maybe they can sell you a new car as well.

Other places to check include your county Cooperative Extension Service, your local adult education department, or women’s organizations in your area. You can save yourself worry, stress, and money if you are prepared and knowledgeable regarding your car.

The Bank Messed Up Your Car Loan

If you can’t get satisfaction from the bank, then go to those who can put the bank out of business. Your state Banking Commissioner handles complaints dealing with state chartered banks. For banks with the word “national” or “N.A.” in its name, contact Comptroller of the Currency, Compliance Management, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 250 E St., SW, Washington, DC 20219; 202-874-4900; 800-613-6743; www.occ.treas.gov. For Savings and Loans, contact Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1700 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20552; 202-906-6000; 800-842-6929; www.ots.treas.gov. For FDIC Insured, contact Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Consumer Affairs, 550 17th St., NW, Room F-130, Washington, DC 20429; 877-ASK-FDIC; www.fdic.gov.

Your Child Has A Doctor’s Appointment And Your Car Won’t Work

The Federal Transit Administration provides over $50 million a year to over 1,000 local organizations to provide free non-emergency transportation for people who are old or have a disability. But the groups who get this federal money can also provide free transportation services to Moms who are in a jam.

The regulations state that the vehicles can also be used to “…serve the transportation needs of the general public on an incidental basis.” You may have to do some educating to get a local group to give you a ride.

Tell them to view the information on the web site or contact the FTA. It’s available from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20590 or on the web at www.fta.dot.gov/legal/federal_register/2004/16290_17856_ENG_HTML.htm

To find groups in your area who receive these FTA Section 5310 grants for Elderly and Persons With Disabilities, contact your state department of transportation or the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management, Office of Resource Management and State Programs, 400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 202-366-4020; www.fta.dot.gov.