CARPOOLS: HOW SUCCESSFUL?

Carpools are probably the most effective methods of mass transportation offering comfort and convenience while at the same time reducing traffic congestion air pollution, and conserving fuel. A study of the data on carpool matching programs for 1973 shows that automobile usage declined 23.5%. The recent rise in employer-sponsored carpools indicates the popularity of this form of urban transportation. This article briefly describes several examples of successful carpools started in cities across the country. The 3M company in St. Paul initiated the "commute-a-van" program, operating vans that accommodate 12 persons. This ride-sharing program saved money on a proposed parking facility, as well as saving gasoline. The Connecticut Department of Transportation developed a UNIVAC computer program to provide carpool matching services. Most employers participating in such programs give priority parking privileges to carpoolers. Several agencies in Knoxville joined together in forming an urban-wide pooling program, which was not a reaction to the energy crises but a positive step toward resolving problems such as traffic congestion and decreasing transit ridership. Express buses have also proven to be effective in attracting riders away from their automobiles. From various programs working successfully, it has been shown that a computer matching service encourages people to join or form carpools, and that encouragement and incentive from employers is beneficial in continuing effective carpool programs.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Pratsch, L
• Publication Date: 1975-2

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 61-63
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 45
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Carpools; Fuel consumption; Information processing; Public transit; Ridership; Traffic congestion; Vanpools
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00095527
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 10 1981 12:00AM