Carpool Information
Known as "car sharing, ride sharing, or lift sharing," carpooling is when two or more people travel in a private or company vehicle, for the purposes of commuting to work. Each individual may own their own car, but chose to ride with co-workers or others who work in the same region. The motivation for carpooling comes from a variety of sources. An individual may be environmentally conscious, others may enjoy the social or financial benefits. While carpooling has been around since the 1970's, rising gas prices and an increased awareness of the environment have enhanced its appeal.
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Financial Benefits
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Fuel costs may be the number one reason individuals consider carpooling. If it costs $40 to fill your car's fuel tank and you do this every week, multiply that by 50 weeks to total $2,000 a year just in gas. Sharing that cost with other individuals will have a significant impact on your discretionary income.
Environmental Benefits
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During the course of a year, a passenger car will emit about 10,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and over 600 lbs of carbon monoxide. An SUV contributes about 16,800 lbs of carbon dioxide and 894 lbs of carbon monoxide. According to Rideshare.com, "The US could save 33 million gallons of gas-each day-if the average commuting vehicle carried one additional person."
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Tips for a Successful Commuter Carpool
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Edmonds.com has a number of resources for would-be carpools, including tips for a "Successful Commuter Carpool," where it suggests printing driver schedules, and set rules for the stereo, cell phone use, as well as smoking in the car. The website also suggests establishing how long the carpool will wait for people who are late, if someone is sick, and to have a backup plan if the driver needs to work late or leave early.
Social Benefits
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The social benefits to carpooling are almost as significant as the financial and environmental. For those workers who are chronically late, carpooling offers a way to get to work on time. Riders can benefit from a nap to and from work. With most Americans spending over 400 hours a year commuting to work, making the trip more enjoyable reduces stress for riders. Carpooling also provides an outlet by sharing with others if the drive is a stressful one.
Less Cars on the Road
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If every commuter added one extra person for the ride to and from work, the impact on the nation's roads would be substantial. Fewer cars on the road reduces the probability of accidents and congestion, which could lesson the time it takes to get to and from work each day.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit carpool sign image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
