CAR POOLING IN CALIFORNIA

A review is given of a study tour to investigate car pooling in California. Car pooling is a phenomenon that is considered very seriously in the United Sates. Many provisions in the road network are applied to let car pools drive easier than others. The government also executes programmes to encourage car pooling: companies are approached, matching services are set up, etc. Twenty percent of car drivers have the possibility for car pooling during peak hours. The possible profit in less driven kilometers, less air pollution, less investments and less maintenance costs for highways, is substantial. Car pooling is a known term, but ride sharing is better. In the United States it consists of public transport, van pooling and car pooling. Even cycling to a park and ride place and to put up the bicycle in special bicycle sheds is encouraged. In this report technical provisions for car pools and their use are described and an overview is given of all measures and activities to encourage it. Data are presented of the results achieved. Some examples of American car pooling publicity are added. (TRRL)