Benefits of a Car Pool

Particularly since the inception suburban, the benefits of car pooling, which range from environmental and social to economics, have been magnified. Governments and non-profits have spent enormous amounts of time and money promoting these benefits. Despite this, the perceived lack of flexibility resulting from sharing rides has limited growth in this behavior.

Cheaper

Fuel for one car is cheaper than fuel for several cars, and passengers can all chip in when filling the tank.

Decreased Congestion

Fewer cars on the road corresponds to less traffic, which can reduce psychological stress and increase free time, particularly for commuters.

Less Road Deterioration

Pavement breaks down quicker the more it is driven on. Better roads lead to less damage to autos from potholes and fewer tax dollars going toward road repair.

Air Quality

Autos emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. The Environmental Protection Agency states that driving a car is probably the typical citizen's biggest polluting daily action. Carpooling reduces this pollution.

Social

Increasing interaction between friends, neighbors and co-workers is a byproduct of sharing rides. This can increase the sense of connectedness within a community.

Considerations

A 1996 study published in Social Psychology Quarterly on the first carpool lane in Europe found that "solo drivers exhibited a weaker preference for carpooling after the establishment of a carpool lane."

References

• EPA on Cars and Pollution
• 1996 Social Psychology Quarterly study

Resources

• NPR On Social Sites To Boost Carpooling