We may be in the throes of winter, but for many people in Chatham-Kent it’s a great time to talk about their pool – but not just any pool, a carpool.
February is carpool month and a great opportunity for people across Chatham-Kent to discover a new online tool that will help them connect with people right across the region who are looking to share a ride.
The free online tool, from Commute Ontario in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, allows registered users to discover ride-matching options based on their region. In addition, those who register now at www.carpoolmonth.ca receive a chance to win a $500 gift card towards their gas purchases.
“There is a misconception that creating a carpool is tricky, but the reality is that it can’t be easier. When people sign up, they will be notified of others in the area who are also looking for the exact same thing,” said Ian Clark, Transit Project Manager with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in a media release. “We want to encourage the ‘ah-ha’ moments of discovering who else is looking to share a ride, after all, carpooling is all about community because it connects friends, neighbours, and colleagues together.”
“Not only is it a safe, consistent, and affordable transportation option, it also is a healthy and sustainable option that is good for the environment,” Clark added.
Business owners, manufacturers, and agricultural industries are also encouraged to take a part in carpool month by reaching out to Chatham-Kent Economic Development for tools that can help their current and future employees.
“In a digital economy that has seen the rise of many ridesharing programs, this is an excellent turn-key opportunity for businesses to take carpooling to the next level,” said Jamie Rainbird, Manager of Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “There is no doubt that Commute Ontario can give a competitive advantage to manufacturers and all industry when it comes to hiring and retaining employees, which is essential in today’s market.”
Commute Ontario’s free business services include a custom information portal for your organization, access to the Emergency Ride Home Program; a resource that provides employees who use a sustainable mode of travel with emergency travel cost reimbursement up to $75 per ride; and other health and wellness tools.
