by Nicholas Parat

Commuter Connections is not only one of the first computerized carpooling services in the United States, it is also one of the most creative.The organization is now offering commuters $2 a day for the first 90 days they carpool to work.

"It helps reduce traffic congestion and improves air quality," says Nicholas Ramfos, director of Commuter Connections. "Commuters save time, overall, and they can cut their commute costs in half."

To join, or form a new carpool commuters must register at commuterconnections.org, complete a brief survey, and provide information about their daily commutes. They must also be a new carpool participant.

The incentive, which began last year as a pilot program, has already convinced more than 100 people to make a the switch. But according to Ramfos, space is limited to 740 participants.

Each participant stands to earn up to $130 in a consecutive 90-day period. But they must carpool at least twice a week.

"What we found out is that 90 days after the program is over, 95 percent of them remain in their carpools even after the financial incentive ends," Ramfos said.

For more information on the program, go to Pool Rewards: Cash for Carpools