Who Carpools? The Answer Might Surprise You
With gas prices on the rise, road congestion and concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, it's little wonder that carpooling is an attractive alternative to driving solo.
But who is taking advantage of the benefits of carpooling? According to carpooling.com, a typical carpooler is a woman, over 25 years old, highly educated, single, a discerning shopper and actively using other modes of transportation (including cycling and transit).
Granted, carpooling.com (a successful carpool network in Europe) is drawing on a European sample of over 2 million active users in 2011. Considering Europeans are more likely to use sustainable forms of transportation compared to their North American counterparts, perhaps this user snap-shot offers a view of the future of carpooling in North America?
As online ride-matching services become more sophisticated thanks to modern technology, carpooling is increasingly becoming less about making a leap of faith, and more about selecting a best fit.
Although carpooling.com is only available in Europe, there are some local options you should check out:
- Jack Bell Ride-Share: Jack Bell offers affordable, effective Ride-Share, carpool & vanpool services in Metro Vancouver and across BC.
- eRideShare.com: Carpool and ride-sharing site that includes both long distance and commuter options
- Carsurfing.com: a new Vancouver ride-matching service based on the successful Avego
And of course, the best place to start your search for someone going your way is with your circle of friends and family, work or school colleagues, and social networks.
Do you carpool? Do you fit the user carpooling.com's profile of a typical carpooler?