Mass. Web site helps with gas prices

BOSTON -- Gov. Deval Patrick's administration has launched a new Web site to help state residents trying to cope with sky-high gasoline prices.

The site - www.mass.gov/gastips - includes tips to help residents increase their car's gas mileage, find the cheapest gas prices in their community and explore alternative means of transportation.

Various state agencies also are working with the Office of Vehicle Management to reduce fuel consumption by increasing the number of hybrid vehicles in the department fleet.

The office says it has increased from 33 hybrid vehicles in 2005 to 247 today. The Massachusetts Highway Department also has started using bio-diesel in heavy-duty equipment to further reduce consumption.