Why Carpooling Is Putting The Breaks On Daily Driving
Carpooling is one of the most efficient, cheap and environmentally friendly options of transportation around (unless, of course, you can bike or walk - which is not always an option).
Have No Shame:
Unfortunately, it seems that people only carpool if they have to - I mean, lets face it, it’s not the most glamorous option - we’re not going to hear of Paris Hilton or the girls from Sex in The City carpooling anytime soon. It’s understandable that some people feel somewhat embarrassed of carpooling to save money, but remember that once you tell people that you are concerned about the environment, they are more likely to admire your commitment and sacrifice for a greater cause, which is also a pretty good excuse for those who chose to go without a car, as mentioned in Top 6 Reasons To Live Without A Car.
Convenience and Time:
Carpooling can be very convenient for most people with a fixed schedule - not having to worry about filling your tank, or not having to waste those few extra minutes to get your car out of the garage every morning can go a long way for the exceptionally busy. Some even see it as a way of staying on time - there is extra incentive to not be late when a friend is parked and waiting at the door.
Bring Enjoyment Back To Travel:
Some people choose to carpool because they enjoy the company or because they are free of the chore of driving and are use the time to read or even sleep. Not having to fight traffic can eliminate a great amount of stress from daily life. This is also an excellent opportunity to get to know a coworker or neighbor.
Cut Your Costs:
It has been estimated that carpooling can save you on average $3,000 to $8,000 a year (depending mostly on lifestyle). Even if you don’t have a car, carpooling by sharing gas and parking costs can been much cheaper than public transportation. Also, you’re bound to spend less on the maintenance of your own car if you are driving it less often.
Save The Environment:
Okay, so carpooling might not be the cleanest, most sustainable approach to transportation. But face it, reducing any number of cars on the road helps. Automobiles are one of the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. So help save the planet, and hitch a ride.
So how exactly do you get on the carpool train? Start by inquiring around where you work to see if there is currently an established program. For general inter-city travel, check online listings such as Craigslist, or social networks like Myspace, or Facebook.
While the notion of carpooling as a primary source of transportation is typically not an easy switch to make, carefully consider the benefits. You might find it to be a rewarding alternative to everyday driving. Should you decide to step it up a notch and stop driving all together, definitely think about donating your car to a worthy cause.
Topics: carpool, automotive, cars, give a ride, transportation