Notably during Big Green Commute, some of our team members mesh their schedules in order to carpool to the office. In this yearly, friendly competition, carpooling can earn you anywhere from four to six points.
So this got us to thinking about the many ways companies and communities are trying to make carpooling a better transportation alternate. Here are four great recent examples.
1. Carpooling App SPLT Serves Corporations, Universities and Governmental Agencies
SPLT is a ride matching platform that allows organizations to access employees who otherwise would not be able to commute to work. By improving employees’ commutes, SPLT says that their platform is a “secret weapon in employee recruitment and engagement.” They currently have operations in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
Used for companies, universities, and municipal authorities, SPLT uses an app to connect people who share the same route to their place of work or study. An algorithm finds the best composition for the ride-share, and computes the fastest route. The aim is to reduce congestion and make the daily commute more relaxed.
For a recent article about SPLT, click here.
2. Businesses in Middle Tennessee Offer Carpool Incentives as Recruitment, Sustainability Tool
While the city of Nashville debates a $5 billion transportation plan, many businesses in the area are offering carpool incentives for employees. In fact, more than 30 area businesses cover the cost of public transit for employees or offer reduced fares, according to Miranda Clements, head of Nashville’s new Transportation Demand Management program. Said Clements: “Businesses are increasingly taking advantage of such programs due to benefits such as reduced parking demand, recruitment and retention of talent who desire a transit, walkable and bicycle friendly lifestyle, recognition in the community as an environmentally responsible company and cost savings due to a healthier and more productive workforce.”
For more, click here.
3. Waze’s Carpooling App Relaunches and Now Let’s Riders Choose Their Shared Rides
In an earlier incarnation, Waze’s carpool app matched up riders and drivers using an algorithm based on pickup and drop-off locations. Unlike apps like Uber, where drivers are vetted, the carpooling app crowdsources rides from everyday commuters.
Now, Waze says it will allow people to choose their shared rides, instead of being matched blindly. What does that mean? Riders will be able to pick drivers based on mutual friends, ratings, workplace locations, and other characteristics.
For more, click here.
4. Express Lanes in Los Angeles Just Got Better for Carpoolers
As in many jurisdictions, drivers who own green cars such as hybrids or electric cars used to be able to use the express carpool lanes in LA. However, some of those rules have recently changed because so many electric vehicles (Teslas!) have clogged the express lanes, leading to slower speeds and more emissions.
So, carpoolers may find their incentives back in place in southern California.
For more, click here.
Photo by Samuele Errico Piccarini