LTA Looks at Carpooling Trials with Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

25th May 2017

LTA LOOKS AT CARPOOLING TRIALS WITH STAFF

The Land Transport Authority is actively encouraging its own staff and their family members to start carpooling.

Carpooling is when drivers park their cars at home and share a ride with other commuters.

“If you carpool at least once a week, you can help play a part in reducing traffic congestion,” says LTA Chief Executive Officer Mr Carmine Piantedosi.

According to an LTA survey in 2016, more than 75 percent of private vehicles along the heavily populated Suva-Nausori corridor during peak periods comprised of either the driver only, or just one passenger.

At that time, the survey also found that while 20 percent of cars on the road had two to three passengers, only 2 percent of cars on the road carried a full load of passengers.

Research by the LTA’s Transport Planning and Statistics Department also found that carpooling one vehicle with a driver and four passengers on board is the equivalent to taking at least three to four vehicles off the road. When multiplied exponentially, the potential number of vehicles off the road could be quite significant.

Mr Piantedosi adds that carpooling also has other benefits such as reducing mileage on vehicles as well as reducing emissions on our roads.

“It can also mean long-term fuel and vehicle maintenance savings, as well as freeing up more parking space. It can also reduce stress, as drivers who carpool also have the opportunity to rest while someone else drives,” said Mr Piantedosi.

The LTA plans to distribute more carpooling awareness pamphlets to motorists with the theme – “Carpooling, Share the Ride to Arrive on Time.”

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