Denver Regional Council of Governments Media Release

In the midst of nationwide budget reductions that are causing cuts to public school bus routes, there is a program in the Denver metro area that can help. The Denver Regional Council of Governments offers Schoolpool, a free carpool matching service for parents with children in elementary and secondary schools.

An Aug. 24 Associated Press article stated that “about 23 percent of school districts surveyed by the American Association of School Administrators say they are reducing or eliminating school transportation for the coming school year as part of cost-cutting measures. That’s up from the 14 percent who considered such measures during the 2008-2009 year.”

“Schoolpool is a wonderful alternative to driving your child to and from school every day, or having your child walk in congested and busy traffic areas,” says Mia Bemelen of DRCOG RideArrangers. “More than 12,000 elementary and secondary school families in the Denver/Boulder metropolitan area are enrolled in the program and we are ready to help parents across the region.”

All it takes is for a school to contact DRCOG at 303-458-POOL (7665). DRCOG will work with the school to set up carpool matching with interested families at that school. Parents will then receive a list of potential carpool partners they may contact to start carpooling. Benefits include saving money and time, relieving congestion and improving safety in school pick-up and drop-off areas, providing safe alternatives to walking and improving air quality.

For more information on Schoolpool, please visit the Schoolpool page at DRCOG’s web site. DRCOG works with schools to start Schoolpool programs; interested parents may also go to their school officials to encourage the school’s participation with Schoolpool. For more information, please call Bemelen at 303-480-6772.

DRCOG RideArrangers helps businesses and individuals avoid traffic congestion and reduce pollution by promoting and providing transportation options.