The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:
(a) Due to the projected rapid growth in demand for energy, coupled with the mounting difficulties in providing energy supplies, a continuing energy shortage exists, posing a significant danger to public health and welfare.
(b) The use of the automobile represents the single largest use of energy in this state and, therefore, the growing use of energy by automobiles is a major factor contributing to such shortage.
(c) Heavy automobile traffic in our major cities has resulted in serious problems of air pollution and traffic congestion.
(d) Increased ridesharing by commuters would aid in lowering air pollution levels, conserving energy, and reducing urban traffic congestion.
It is, therefore, the purpose of this chapter to provide incentives for the wider use of ridesharing by commuters in metropolitan areas.