New research by the Mobile Source (News - Alert) Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) shows that 55 percent of Los Angeles commuters are interested in ridesharing. The research also shows that just 22 percent of commuters in the Southland are ridesharing or use alternative forms of transportation.
As a result of its study, the MSRC has brought back its “Rideshare Thursday” campaign. It hopes the campaign will motivate drivers to get out of their vehicles and try ridesharing options like carpools, bicycles and mass transit.
MSRC says, “The Rideshare Thursday concept was created more than ten years ago, but the issues it addresses such as saving money, saving time, benefiting the environment, decreasing traffic on the roadway and reducing stress are even more pertinent today”
California’s Statewide Rideshare Week ran from Oct. 7-11.
Greg Pettis, MSRC Chair explains, “Ridesharing -- carpooling, taking the bus, or riding a bike -- even just one day a week can help make a difference in Southern California’s traffic congestion and on the environment. It is important that commuters think about alternative methods for getting to work not just on Thursday, traditionally the busiest day for car traffic, but on any day of the week.”
In its research MSRC found the primary motivation for drivers to look for new modes of transportation is saving money. Ridesharing helps save commuters money on gas and car-related expenses.
A big benefit of removing even a single car from the roadways is the impact on air quality. Driving just one mile creates nearly a pound of emissions. The typical roundtrip commute in Southern California is around 40 miles, and ridesharing helps the environment by taking single occupant vehicles off the road along with their related air pollution.
The Rideshare Thursday campaign was sponsored by Clean Transportation Funding from the MSRC.
The new campaign was developed by Fraser Communications using radio, social media and live events to reach residents. The campaigns goal is to inspire them to “Drive Less. Smile More.”
Edited by Rory J. Thompson