D.C. drivers find new ways to work

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High gasoline prices are prompting more drivers to ditch their sport utility vehicles and turn to alternate means of commuting, including public transportation, bikes and carpools.

Unleaded gasoline fell below $2 for the first time in five weeks Monday, settling at $1.98 per gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration.

On the person-to-person car-buying Web site AutoTrader.com,more drivers are selling their SUVs, which are known for their low gas mileage.

The number for sale on AutoTrader.com jumped 10 percent in two months, from 14,968 in April to 17,662 on June 1.

The dealer-to-individual car-purchasing Web site Autobytel.com reported a similar decrease in SUV interest, with a jump in compact-car interest.

Requests for large SUVs on Autobytel are down 20 percent since January, and interest in all SUVs is down 13 percent, a company spokesman said.

Meanwhile, more Washington area commuters are interested in finding another way to get to work besides their car, according to Nicholas Ramfos, director of Commuter Connections, a Metropolitan Washington Council of Government organization of transportation venues.

He reports a 55 percent jump in the number of people seeking Commuter Connection's help in telecommuting and car or vanpooling, some of which they attribute to an aggressive marketing campaign, Mr. Ramfos said.

"Typically, when gas prices go up, we get a jump in applications," he said.

At least one area bicycle company has seen a jump in sales.