The new year is almost here, and with new beginnings comes opportunities for trying new ways to commute for the coming season.

There are a variety of carpooling options available in the Bay Area aimed at making commuting more convenient. Carpool mobile apps make it easy to schedule one-way carpool trips and allow you to be either a driver or a passenger. Peruse one of the carpool apps at rideshare.511.org. Also, try the 511 RideMatch Service to find and email neighbors with commutes similar to your own. Whether you’re striving for convenience in getting around Alameda County or an employer coordinating staff transportation options, the Commute Choices web page has the resources you need.

As a commuter, express lanes can get you where you’re going in a timely fashion and they are vital to the region’s economic health. The Interstate 580 Express Lanes run approximately 14 miles through Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore and the Interstate 680 (I-680) Sunol Express Lanes also run through Alameda County. The southbound portion of the I-680 express lanes project is complete and the northbound phase is currently under construction. The express lanes will support carpooling and ridesharing, and will help alleviate traffic congestion and improve operations along congested corridors in the region.

So, before you walk out of the door, consider a new way in the New Year.