ALBANY — The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) have teamed up to launch a new online carpool matching service, called iPool2, that provides a cost effective alternative to the high cost single occupancy vehicle commutes.

Capital Region commuters can visit www.iPool2.org to access a free and simple “one-stop” commuter shopping tool that will save them money, stress, relieve congestion and help save the environment.

The new iPool2 — expanded from the region’s original online Commuter Register carpool match service, launched in 1988 by CDTC — offers the latest technology to match ride-share partners who have similar schedules, destinations and personal preferences.

With iPool2, users can quickly find a carpool partner(s) with similar driving, smoking and gender preferences, or create their own ad for a match. The more people who sign up for iPool2, the more potential matches can occur. iPool2 is designed to keep personal information confidential requiring only a first name, and an email or phone number as contacts for potential matches.

iPool2 provides many user-friendly features — it’s free, fast, private, convenient and environmentally friendly. A built-in geographic system, like “Google Maps” instantly identifies and displays a map with potential carpool matches in user neighborhoods or along designated routes. Users can also sign up for email match alerts if appropriate matches do not come up initially. iPool2 also offers convenient one-stop shopping for transit and park and ride information.

iPool2 offers an employer module that allows employers to promote carpooling within their own company and employees the option of choosing matches among coworkers. Participating employers receive tax and cost savings, reduced parking challenges and/or costs, an improved company image, and recognition for their clean air programs. Employees can receive employer recognition and reduced traffic related stress while saving money.

Studies show that people often resist giving up their car for public transportation or car pooling for fear of being stranded without transportation should an emergency arise. iPool2 relieves this worry by offering a Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program to registered users, giving free cab rides in the event of an emergency, such as a family illness or unexpected overtime.

Carpooling and taking public transportation is the simplest solution for air pollution and reducing our energy crisis. Fewer cars on the road mean less congestion, reduced fuel consumption and cleaner air for everyone. Users can see the impact of carpooling, taking the bus, walking or biking through the Commute Tracker module that tracks daily commutes, cost savings and emissions savings.

“As the regional mobility leader, it makes sense for us to collaborate on a ride share program giving commuters without easy bus service access another low cost option to get to work,” said CDTA Chairman David Stackrow. “Riding the bus and car pooling are both easy ways for commuters and employers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and preserving the environment.”

CDTC estimates that there are about 375,000 daily commuters living within the Capital Region. About 80 percent of those commuters drive to work alone three or more times a week, while 17 percent use some form of ride sharing-from bus to car pools to walking or bicycling.

“Just by taking one vehicle off the road each day, a commuter can save about 43 lbs of CO2 emissions and an average of $21 in transportation costs and an additional $5 in fuel costs,” says CDTC Senior Transportation Planner Deb Stacy. This calculation is based on an average of 25 miles each way to and from work and AAA 42.9 cents per mile for cost to own and operate and average sized car (includes maintenance, insurance and depreciation.

You can find out your commute costs by clicking on the commuter cost calculator at www.cdta.org.

The iPool2 car pool system is powered by GreenRide and is funded by the Federal Transit Administration through its Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program.

For more information, call 482-8822 or visit www.cdta.org. Information operators are on duty 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays.