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Traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience — it’s a growing crisis for cities worldwide. In the US alone, drivers are estimated to have lost an average of 43 hours to traffic congestion in 2024. This cost the US economy $74 billion in lost time and productivity, with billions more wasted globally on fuel, shipment delays, and inefficiencies.
And the situation isn’t expected to improve anytime soon. “Every year since 2020, we’ve seen traffic gradually rise towards what it was pre-pandemic,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX and author of the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard.
But what if the solution to cities’ congestion is as simple as sharing a ride?
Carpooling is a simple yet powerful way to tackle traffic congestion. Reducing single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) decreases traffic, eases bottlenecks, and optimizes road space. Beyond saving drivers time and money, carpooling has also been proven to improve air quality, lower fuel consumption, and support efficient public transport. The best part is that it doesn’t need costly infrastructure changes — only a commitment to share the ride.
With traffic worsening every year, it’s clear we require practical solutions that deliver real results. Carpooling stands out as one of the most effective ways to address this growing issue. Here are five powerful ways carpooling can clear up the roads.
The Five Ways Carpooling Reduces Congestion
1. Fewer cars, less traffic
Reducing SOVs has a big impact on traffic. By carpooling, multiple people share one vehicle, which means fewer cars on the road. This helps ease congestion, reduce bottlenecks, and make better use of road space.
For example, one carpool carrying four people can replace three individual vehicles. The result? Smoother commutes, less time wasted sitting in traffic, and reduced strain on infrastructure.
And the experts have crunched the numbers to prove carpooling can be a win-win situation for everyone. A study by MIT found that carpooling could reduce congestion by a factor of three while still serving the same number of people. This shows how a simple change like sharing a ride can greatly improve traffic flow.
2. Better use of road space
A road full of single-occupancy vehicles is like a half-empty concert hall where space is wasted and capacity is underutilized. By increasing the average car occupancy, carpooling allows more people to travel using fewer vehicles and makes better use of limited road space.
Research by MIT found that 3,000 shared cars could replace 13,000 taxis in New York City while meeting nearly all travel demand. By increasing average car occupancy, we can maximize road capacity and cut congestion in the process.
3. Maximize the use of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes
High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are special lanes on the highway for cars with multiple passengers, like carpoolers or buses. But data suggests that these lanes are often underutilized.
A study by the Utah Department of Transportation observed that during off-peak hours, HOV lanes moved fewer people than general-purpose lanes, indicating these infrastructures are not used to their full capacity. Another research from the International reported that many HOV lanes in the United States suffer from the “empty lane syndrome,” where these lanes remain underused while adjacent general-purpose lanes experience heavy congestion.
By encouraging more carpooling, we can fill these lanes with eligible vehicles, making better use of this infrastructure and improving traffic flow for everyone. Carpooling doesn’t just help individuals save time and money. It also unlocks the full potential of HOV lanes as a powerful traffic management tool.
4. Improves public transportation
Buses, light rail, and commuter trains face less traffic congestion when there are fewer cars on the road thanks to carpooling and other shared transportation options. This allows them to stick to schedules and offer a better commute experience.
This creates a positive feedback loop: as public transport becomes more reliable and appealing, more people choose it over driving. In turn, this further eases traffic and continues to improve transit systems.
One great example of this in action is Seattle's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program. Initiated in 1991, it actively encourages carpooling and other alternative commute options.
By working with employers to incentivize shared rides, the program successfully reduced drive-alone rates in participating workplaces by 8% over several years. This led to a noticeable decrease in traffic congestion during peak hours, allowing public transport, like buses, to run more efficiently. As transit reliability improved, more commuters chose to use buses or carpooling instead of driving alone, creating a positive feedback loop that continues to ease congestion across the city.
This case demonstrates how carpooling initiatives can effectively reduce urban congestion and bolster public transportation networks.
5. Reducing parking demand in busy areas
Ever heard of the “cruising for parking” phenomenon? It’s what happens when drivers circle city blocks hunting for a spot. Studies show this can make up anywhere from 15% to a whopping 74% of traffic in urban areas.
Carpooling can help tackle this issue by significantly reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Fewer cars mean fewer drivers competing for limited parking spaces, leading to smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion in crowded urban centers.
Tips for businesses to encourage carpooling
Carpooling isn’t just a win for commuters. It’s a powerful tool businesses can use to reduce congestion and improve the daily grind for their teams. When fewer cars clog up the roads, everyone benefits: employees arrive at work less stressed, and companies enjoy higher productivity and reduced parking demands.
Businesses have a unique ability to make carpooling a real, practical option for their workforce. By taking proactive steps to encourage shared rides, companies can play a direct role in reducing traffic while boosting employee morale.
Ready to make carpooling a reality for your team? Here are some practical tips to get started.
- Make it easy to match employees
Provide tools or platforms that help employees find carpool matches based on location, schedule, or department. Using the Scoop platform simplifies this process by automating matches and making carpooling seamless for your team. - Offer carpool-only perks
Give your carpoolers a little extra love with perks like reserved parking spots, cheaper parking fees, or even small cash rewards. A shoutout or some recognition can also make a big difference! - Promote the program actively
Craft clever emails, drop engaging tidbits in meetings, or design eye-catching posters to remind your team that carpooling is good for the planet and good for them too. Share updates on how the program is cutting down congestion and reducing emissions. Seeing the impact of their efforts can spark real enthusiasm. - Make schedules flexible
One common problem that carpooling programs encounter is misaligned schedules. By offering a little flexibility with start and end times, you can make it much easier for employees to coordinate rides without stress. - Track and celebrate progress
Keep everyone motivated by sharing milestones, like how many carpool trips have been completed or how much the program has helped cut emissions. Small incentives for top participants can add some fun and keep the momentum strong.
Final word
Carpooling isn’t just about getting people from point A to point B. It’s also about reducing congestion, improving public transit efficiency, and creating a better commute experience for everyone. By implementing simple strategies like matching employees, offering perks, and celebrating progress, businesses can play a major role in transforming how their teams travel.
To learn how Scoop’s complete commute solution can ensure all your people have access to a safe, reliable, and convenient commute, reach out to us at business@scoopcommute.com.
