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Carpooling saves energy

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-26 07:45

More cities should encourage carpooling to save energy resources, says an article in the Oriental Morning Post. The following is an excerpt:

Hangzhou has recently actively promoted the practice of carpooling, abandoning a previous ban.

In the past, Hangzhou banned carpooling for it feared it may undercut the taxi and bus industry and cause administrative troubles distinguishing carpooling from illegal taxi operations.

But people love carpooling in cities because it is not only convenient but also cost-effective. For the government, its promotion will reduce the number of private cars on roads, relieving traffic pressure, contributing to the clean air in urban areas, and saving energy consumption.

So, carpooling is a win-win choice for car owners, riders and society as a whole, and in line with the need to build a thrifty society.

City managers should redefine the behavior of illegally giving rides to others and carpooling, expanding the scope for its legal practice.

(China Daily 02/26/2009 page8)