Carpooling Not only Good for the Wallet, It’s Good for the Air

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The back-to-school rush often means long drop-off lines, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and more trips to the pumps.

With gas prices this week holding at $5.58 at Rubis, $5.48 at Esso, and $5.50 at Shell, the daily school run is costing parents more than ever.

Morning traffic on New Providence is already hectic. From C.R. Walker to Queen’s College and St. Augustine’s lines of cars stretch across the island, frustrating parents and commuters alike.

That’s where carpooling comes in. Sharing rides with neighbors or classmates can cut fuel costs, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and ease gridlock around campuses.

Global studies show the impact. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says if just 10 percent of parents carpooled, it would save nearly 150 million gallons of gasoline a year. 

And in the U.K., schools with carpool programs saw 20 percent fewer cars during peak hours.

Fewer vehicles also mean less idling, lower emissions, and cleaner air for students especially those with asthma or respiratory issues.

As families prepare for another school year, carpooling could be a win win: saving money, easing traffic, and helping the environment.