This is a follow-up to my “Leave Your Car at Home Day” blog. In it I highlighted the benefits of using local Park & Ride lots to combat rising gas prices. Today, I am sticking with the subject of carpooling and sharing with you a story that may further encourage you to carpool.
A company located near my home started a carpool program more than five years ago. (I live in a fairly small city and carpooling is not as popular as it is in bigger metropolitan areas. We don’t have a carpool or “ZIPPER” lane and the rush-hour commute is really not bad.) Recently, with gas prices in our area nearing record highs, the company’s carpool group has swelled from less than 30 employees (five years ago) to more than 400. It’s happened due in large part to an innovative concept that involves the company’s Internet site. The website has a search feature that helps associates locate other associates living in their area. In addition, the company offers an incentive program that rewards those who carpool. For example, after 25 trips employees win travel mugs and after 50 trips the prize is a gas card.
The results of the program have been pretty amazing. In 2005, the company’s carpoolers conserved almost 25,000 miles. It’s estimated their efforts reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 200,000 pounds and saved employees from buying 10,300 gallons of gas.
Now the company’s parking lot isn’t as full as it used to be, and employees couldn’t be happier. They say the best part of being in a carpool group: seeing gas stations and driving by without having to pull in. It is my hope that this blog inspires you to consider the idea of carpooling, as a benefit to your wallet and the environment. And with Earth Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to share a ride.