Online carpool scheme to reduce the commute

Massey University's Manawatu and Wellington campuses have a new online carpool scheme to help staff and students save money and reduce their ecological footprint on their commute to work or class.

The Massey University system is built using Jayride.co.nz – a social media platform designed for carpooling, which on any day has 6000 or more carpools listed across New Zealand.

Associate Professor Christine Cheyne has undertaken New Zealand Transport Agency-funded research on shared and public transport and has implemented the carpooling scheme at Massey. "Carpooling is recognised internationally as a key element in the mix of transport options,” Dr Cheyne says.

She says Jayride's software, which is available to businesses anywhere, is very user-friendly. “Carpooling is a great way to travel to Massey University. Not only does every carpooler save money on their commute, they also reduce their environmental impact, create less congestion, need fewer car parks, and build a stronger community of students.”

The Massey University carpool system helps potential carpoolers meet others living nearby so they can travel together to or from the University or to other destinations.

If staff or students do not find a carpool match inside the University, they can click to view other carpools from other people in the area, whether they use Massey’s system or not.

Jayride spokesman Rod Bishop says matching carpools between organisations is unique to the Jayride carpool system. Other features of Massey’s new system include safety features, privacy features, links to social media profiles, and the ability for drivers to list how much money they would like to be paid towards running costs.

“Carpoolers can save around $2400 every year on their commute,” Mr Bishop says.

“Massey University students will love the money they can save by carpooling. We’re excited that Massey University is so actively involved in sustainable actions and we’re looking forward to helping the University to build the best carpool network possible.”

In Palmerston North, Massey’s carpool scheme builds on the momentum Jayride.co.nz has gained in the local community over the past six months. Every carpool system that uses Jayride.co.nz contributes to the broader network, reducing overall traffic congestion and increasing liveability for everyone in the city.