The University of Regina - along with the rest of Regina's Carpool Partners - are promoting the week of October 17-21, 2005 as Regina's Rideshare Week. 
T
his will be Regina's first Rideshare Week event. The Regina Carpool Partners include the University of Regina, the City of Regina, Farm Credit Canada, SaskTel and Regina Research Park. 

The week will kick off with a luncheon event at the City Hall Forum on Tues., Oct. 18, at noon. Members of the public are invited to drop by for BBQ beef on a bun and a drink for just $2, and to learn more about carpooling and Rideshare Week.

Rideshare Week is being promoted as an antidote to Canadians' reliance on the single occupancy vehicle (SOV) as their preferred choice of transportation. According to Environment Canada, overall transportation represents the largest single source of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 27 per cent of the total.

Regina residents are invited to organize their own car pools by connecting with www.carpool.ca at least once during the week. Created by Commuter Connections, a British Columbia based non-profit society, the purpose of the website is to assist individuals who are considering carpooling as an alternate means of commuting.

On the site, select "Regina" and enter your information. It's simple - just list where you live, where you work, and what time you'll need to be there. You will instantly receive a list of neighbours and co-workers wanting to share the daily commute. You can then contact potential carpool partners and make your own arrangements. The service is confidential. 

Carpooling is a simple way for individuals to take part in the climate change challenge while saving money, reducing congestion and conserving energy along the way. 

If Regina commuters continue to rideshare, a number of other benefits are created: 
· less traffic congestion means a faster and safer commute for everyone;
· saves tax-payer dollars by reducing road repair costs;
· reduced insurance and policing costs. 

Participating commuters will also have the chance to win prizes by registering or by submitting stories about their carpool experiences at www.regina.ca, Quick Link: Carpool.

For further information, media are invited to contact Gwen Evans, University of Regina Parking Services, at (306)585-4027, or Anne Marie Thornton at Commuter Connections 
(250)743-8035.