Australia’s first government-funded regional carpooling initiative which links drivers and passengers via the web, is being promoted throughout Byron shire this week with four new signs being installed.
Byron shire mayor Simon Richardson said the Northern Rivers Carpool project aims to create a network of commuters, from Tweed to Clarence, to share their travel time and reduce travelling costs.
The Carpool Project is a free and easy web-based service that matches travel details of like commuters.
‘With limited public transport in the region and increasing petrol costs, this initiative has the potential to assist many people,’ Cr Richardson said.
‘Already the service has almost 2,000 registered users so there is a good chance that their needs will be matched up with a nearby local,’ he said.
Throughout this month (July) council will give one new member to the Norther Rivers Carpool website, from the Byron Shire region, a green cleaning pack each week to promote the new signs.
Council’s sustainability officer Sandi Middleton said, “most cars on the roads have only a single occupant so it makes sense to share the journey by filling up the car seats.
‘It’s also a great way to make new friends and even halve weekly fuel bills’, she said.
Northern Rivers Carpool has been funded by NSW Transport and Infrastructure, six north coast councils (Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence, Richmond and Tweed), Southern Cross University, North Coast Institute of TAFE and North Coast Area Health Service.
For more information on the Northern Rivers Carpool project please go to www.nrcarpool.org
Driving alone into Byron Bay for work every week you are taking away parking from customers and clients of businesses where you work! Yes, some businesses have off street parking. Stop complaining about parking charges and save money by car sharing! With a little sacrifice and more vision you can make Byron Bay a more pleasant place to work and visit. Butler St Reserve can then remain for markets and other events.
Park & Ride schemes in Europe work brilliantly.
Please join in The Carpool AND add your support for the introduction of a Park & Ride Scheme for Byron Bay.