POSTED AT 12:00 AM ON Aug. 31, 2006 | PRINT | Email | SHARE | COMMENTS (0)

In a move to lower traffic congestion and free some campus parking spaces, IU Parking Operations announced a carpool program that will allow three or more riders to share a parking spot only for registered carpool participants at a designated lot.

The program, available to anyone eligible for an A or C permit, is intended for appointed employees, graduate and research assistants, associate instructors and professors. Hourly student employees are not eligible, however.

Maggie Whitlow, executive director of Transportation Services, said in a statement that the program will not just make it easier for riders to get to work. It will also lessen the strain on others who drive.

"In addition to saving gasoline costs, parking costs and other automobile operating costs, this program should reduce the amount of traffic on Bloomington streets, the amount of pollution in our air and reduce the difficulty of finding parking for those of us who still drive," Whitlow said.

The program will also include a "guaranteed ride home," meaning that IU Parking Operations will pay for the first 50 miles of a cab ride in the event that riders are stranded without their driver. The free ride can be used up to three times per semester, but IU Transportation Services Assistant Kent McDaniel said he doubts riders will use it often.

"What we found in doing research -- it's a very common program -- is that people feel very comfortable when they know it's available, but they don't use it very often," McDaniel said.

He said a similar program in Indianapolis spent less than $500 per semester on free rides.

The program requires at least three riders to form a group. Interested parties can either apply individually and be matched with other riders or form their own groups. Carpool permits will cost the same as a standard C permit -- $105 per semester -- but will be split among the riders.

McDaniel said carpools will even be able to pick which garage or parking lot they want to park in.

"If we can get a carpool registered, they can pick the site," he said. "We'll pick out a spot in the parking lot that will be permanently assigned to them."

Carpool participants will each be given five one-day permits per semester for emergencies and days when they have medical appointments or different schedules. Groups will be assigned by commuting time and will usually have to drive to and from campus at the same time every day. McDaniel said the program isn't meant for employees with changing schedules.

According to a May 18 Indiana Daily Student article, a similar program was suggested in 1993, but failed after only a few employees signed up. The old program used a satellite parking lot with shuttle bus service, while the new one allows motorists to park in any lot or garage they choose.

Registration for the program is by mail-in form. Forms are available at http://parking.indiana.edu/parking_operations/carpool.html.