Geography can make getting around difficult, but a group of Mid North Coast drivers have put their heads together.

 

Carpool Mid North Coast is an initiative of the eight Mid North Coast councils between Coffs Harbour and Gloucester plus Transport for NSW, North Coast TAFE, Mid North Coast Local Health District and Southern Cross University.

 

It aims to help locals save money on fuel, get priority parking, reduce vehicle wear and tear, cut the carbon footprint, meet new friends and help cut road congestion.

 

"Like all the best ideas, Carpool Mid North Coast is simple," Coffs Harbour Mayor Keith Rhoades said.

 

"The free, easy to use website helps match members with people taking the same journey, whether regularly or occasionally, and they share a vehicle which cuts the environmental and travel costs. It's a win-win all round," Cr Rhoades said.

 

The carpool scheme includes a secure, free, carpool website, member car stickers and branded road signs which will identify the Pick Up and Set Down locations.

 

Priority car parking spaces for cars in the carpool will be identified by branded marking in each council area.

 

"Commuters on the Mid North Coast have few transport options. We frequently travel substantial distances by car and, usually alone," said the council's Road Safety and Transport Officer Anne Shearer.

 

"By putting in place a network of carpoolers across the region, and linking it into the existing carpool schemes elsewhere, members have a good chance of finding someone making the same journey as themselves."

 

For more info check out carpoolmnc.org.