JOIN USPooling in for a better future
At the rate in which traffic in Bengaluru is increasing, commuters may as well stay at home instead of spending hours together on jam-packed roads.
A more permanent solution is needed to solve such traffic snarls. Many start-ups and travel companies are trying to develop apps and services that popularise carpooling in the City. Considering aspects like saving money on fuel, time spent in the traffic and increasing levels of anxiety, cab services like Ola and Uber have introduced these services.
This is a good idea especially for students who can share the cost and also for professionals who work in the same office and are from the same area. However, there is still a lot to do when it comes to popularising the concept. Meanwhile, students share their thoughts and opinions on the idea of carpooling.
A different take
Nikitha Mutha, a student of St Joseph’s College, says, “We can save a lot of money on gas, wear and tear of vehicles, oil-resources and reduce all the nasty environmental impacts associated with driving. Carpooling is helpful for students and professionals who work in the same office in particular. It’s not just money, but a lot of time can be saved as well. If carpooling is popularised further, imagine the number of vehicles that will be off the roads each day. This would lessen the traffic, making travel faster.”
Tough to sustain
Akshita Rajendra, a student of St Joseph’s College of Commerce, says, “The idea of carpooling is simple — when a group of people are travelling on the same route everyday, it is convenient to pool in one car and travel together rather than in different vehicles. We will save money and fuel, feel less fatigued and will be doing our bit for the environment by reducing fuel emissions. But this isn’t that easy, though many companies have developed carpooling apps and services; the excitement in creating change fades away after a while. I don’t think carpooling will ever become mainstream. The reason has nothing to do with technology. It’s just consumer behaviour.”
The pros and cons
Nida Ambreen, a second-year student of Mount Carmel College, opines, “I think carpooling is an advantage because it will help in the reduction of traffic, air and noise pollution. But it’s difficult to find a number of people who are in the same locality or who would want to share the same car for carpooling. The other drawback is that if a person is late, the entire chain is
disturbed. ”
Safety a priority
Jude Jacob, a final-year MBA student, says, “It is indeed a good initiative as people travelling from one point to the other can travel together and save time and money. Carpooling has made lives easier for many. However, there are cons as well, like one wouldn’t know who and what kind of passenger is accompanying them. As safety is now a top priority, people should be alert.”
A sensible move
Sharath Sudha, a student of St Joseph’s College of Commerce, says, “Traffic mobility has been a major setback for our urban planners and experts. Carpooling or rides-sharing, with it effective application in Bengaluru, will rapidly decrease the volume of traffic and the amount of carbon emissions we produce. I believe in doing my bit and I’d encourage my peers in doing the same.”