City of Bloomington “Team Green” Developing Internal Carpooling Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2008

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-City, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington, IN - Team Green, the City of Bloomington's interdepartmental group devoted to developing internal sustainability and environmentally sound initiatives, is working on a proposal to create a carpooling system that would facilitate the practice among City employees.

The group, which includes individuals from the Office of the Mayor and the Employee Services and Information Technology Departments, is hoping to have the intranet carpooling forum completed soon. This would allow City staff to post its carpooling needs and match up with other individuals whose information is similar, theoretically significantly reducing the number of cars used cumulatatively by staff. Employees will specify their travel routes, times and personal preferences in finding potential partners for travel collaboration.

Adam Wason, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City, says initiatives such as this are critical, especially as fuel costs continue to rise.

"This idea was brainchild of Judy Seigle in the Parks and Recreation Department," Wason said. "This is a logical way in which the City can take the first step in reducing energy consumption. We really want to set the example for what can be done across the community, so we're extremely excited about the possibilities. Hopefully, private businesses and community groups will follow our example."

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