CARPOOLING
What is the Need for Carpooling?
A typical car in the United States emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air. With over 273.6 million registered vehicles in the United States, that number adds up quickly. City parking lots, often full with cars, are made of asphalt and concrete, form a "heat-island effect", warming up city air. The electric light of cars during rush-hour is a main contributor to light pollution, which blocks the stars at night. Car honks cause noise pollution, a detriment to animal life in the area.
A typical car in the United States emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air. With over 273.6 million registered vehicles in the United States, that number adds up quickly. City parking lots, often full with cars, are made of asphalt and concrete, form a "heat-island effect", warming up city air. The electric light of cars during rush-hour is a main contributor to light pollution, which blocks the stars at night. Car honks cause noise pollution, a detriment to animal life in the area.
The History of Carpooling
Carpooling first became prominent during World War II, when it was used as a rationing tactic. "Car-sharing clubs" formed and encouraged workers to travel in one car to save rubber. Although it disappeared after the war, it returned in the 1970s in response to the 1973 oil crisis and 1979 energy crisis. However, as gas prices decreased well into the 1980s, carpooling lost its popularity among the American public. As the Internet was introduced, carpooling platforms formed, such as Zimride, UberPool, and Lyft Line. Today, these platforms are exponentially growing in popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and positive implications on the environment.
Carpooling first became prominent during World War II, when it was used as a rationing tactic. "Car-sharing clubs" formed and encouraged workers to travel in one car to save rubber. Although it disappeared after the war, it returned in the 1970s in response to the 1973 oil crisis and 1979 energy crisis. However, as gas prices decreased well into the 1980s, carpooling lost its popularity among the American public. As the Internet was introduced, carpooling platforms formed, such as Zimride, UberPool, and Lyft Line. Today, these platforms are exponentially growing in popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and positive implications on the environment.
Response to Carpooling
Many cities have embraced carpooling as a way to solve the incessant problem of traffic. For example, HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes, which are freeway lanes reserved for vehicles with two or more passengers, have been implemented by numerous American cities. In some countries, parking spaces are even reserved for carpoolers.
However, not everyone is a fan of the movement. In Hungary, people who chose to car-share in order to save money are considered tax criminals unless they have a taxi license. Nevertheless, the global attitude towards carpooling is generally positive.
Many cities have embraced carpooling as a way to solve the incessant problem of traffic. For example, HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes, which are freeway lanes reserved for vehicles with two or more passengers, have been implemented by numerous American cities. In some countries, parking spaces are even reserved for carpoolers.
However, not everyone is a fan of the movement. In Hungary, people who chose to car-share in order to save money are considered tax criminals unless they have a taxi license. Nevertheless, the global attitude towards carpooling is generally positive.
Types of Carpooling
Many people know of one form of carpooling: the "Dagwood Bumstead" variety. In this form, a driver picks up people who need a ride in a sequence. Other varieties include the "park and ride" form, in which people meet at a common location before departing, the "slugging" form, in which there is no monetary gain for the driver, and "real-time carpooling", in which rides are arranged with short notice, often through a mobile application.
Many people know of one form of carpooling: the "Dagwood Bumstead" variety. In this form, a driver picks up people who need a ride in a sequence. Other varieties include the "park and ride" form, in which people meet at a common location before departing, the "slugging" form, in which there is no monetary gain for the driver, and "real-time carpooling", in which rides are arranged with short notice, often through a mobile application.
Carpooling Benefits
Carpooling has a range of benefits, including:
Carpooling has a range of benefits, including:
- It helps you save the environment by emitting less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- It is cost-effective for you, since you can split the cost of gasoline
- It is good for your respiratory health
- It is convenient, due to the reduced stress caused by not driving
- It allows you to interact with other people, giving you the chance to network, learn stories, or make friends.