Time your normal original commute and record that time. For a more accurate time, try recording your commute several times and averaging the times out. Start observing the route you take. Identify spots on the road that slows and sections of the freeway that are much faster: Lane merges, interchanges, exits, lane openings, and turns. Refer to your road map and start exploring different detours. Alternate freeways, side streets, alleys, highways, and long-cuts (detours that are longer in distance, but shorten the time it takes to get to your destination). Make sure you do this during daylight; you could get lost (Here's where the compass and cell phone kicks in if you happen to have a friend who knows the area more). Start timing your commute with your alternate routes. Compare with your old commute way. If you can, start changing the times when you leave work or home and negotiate with your boss. The more your times are further from rush hour, the more minutes you can shave off your commute. Also identify the days that traffic is the worst and suggest telecommuting. Plan errands (shopping, bank deposits, mail) or spend activities (Spa, Gym, movies, visit a friend/family, read/write

in Barnes and Noble or a Starbucks)in the same area you work in before you head home. You might as well use the time and gas you spend in traffic on something productive. And leaving later for home also makes the drive shorter. Carpool with someone, but don't always use the carpool lane. Having someone in the car gives you the alternative to use the carpool lane if it is faster than the rest of the freeway. Take toll roads or toll lanes if you're willing to pay.