Share a lift this Carpool Week
JOBURG - Carpool Week encourages South Africans to reduce congestion and heal the environment.
In the last half decade, petrol prices have increased by 80 percent, and the number of cars choking up our roads has soared by 22 percent. Private vehicles transport 33 percent of South Africans to work every day, with most cars occupied by a single individual.
These are some of the shocking statistics listed by FindaLift in support of South Africa’s second-ever Carpool Week, to take place between 6 and 14 October.
FindaLift, a free database that facilitates carpooling by helping users match their daily routes with those of other commuters, is calling on South Africans to reduce carbon emissions and the ever-increasing pressure on our roads by sharing a lift to work.
Commuters are invited to participate in Carpool Week, by taking a carpool selfie with their friends, family or colleagues. And posting the selfie online with the tags #giveitago #carpoolweekSA could win lucky road users prizes, including cash for fuel and shopping vouchers.
The benefits of carpooling are many. Sharing a lift not only reduces traffic and helps the struggling environment, but provides financial and emotional benefits. According to FindaLift, sharing 100km with one other person will save R68, while taking a break from your place behind the wheel can alleviate driving stress and reduce the likelihood of road rage.
FindaLift is not the only body working to reduce traffic congestion. In a recent interview concerning his participation in the 947 Cycle Challenge to raise support for non-motorised transport, Gauteng MEC for Transport, Ismail Vadi, stressed that the Department of Roads and Transport encourages commuters to cycle, walk, and use public transport to help address the urgent problem.
“We cannot build ourselves out of traffic congestion,” said Vadi, stressing the need for new transport solutions.
With Gauteng’s population doubling over the last 20 years, and expected to double again in the next two decades, upgrades cannot accommodate the millions of commuters taking to the roads daily.
During October’s Transport Month, Carpool Week reinforces Vadi’s message urging the ordinary South African to take action and make everyday travel a better experience for all.
Details: www.findalift.co.za; www.carpoolweek.co.za; selfie@findalift.co.za
