The Hidden Perk of Carpooling

Loneliness

It is no secret that there are many benefits to carpooling. Mainly, people think of the environmental ones. According to Transport Canada, carpooling with just one other person can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.72 kilograms per trip (Smart Commute, 2024). Over a year, this adds up to a reduction of approximately 893 kilograms in emissions. As we have previously discussed, carpooling can also save time and reduce travel costs. But there is another more personal benefit that is often overlooked, though no less impactful. 

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In Canada, around 29% of adults aged between 18 – 29 years, reported feeling lonely (Vankar, 2023). This, combined with the 25% of adults between 40 and 59 years of age who reported the same, means that 54% of Canadians feel lonely. This constitutes more than half of the population in that age range. Recent findings suggest that the magnitude of risk presented by social isolation is equal to that of obesity, smoking, lack of access to care and physical inactivity (Novotney, 2019). The psychological effects of loneliness can be extremely detrimental, mainly because, as humans, being connected to others socially is fundamental to well-being and survival (ibid). 

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The typical solo commute, whether by car or public transit, often lacks human connection. This isolation can negatively impact your mood and overall mental well-being before even starting the day. Feeling lonely and being alone are two different things: you can be in a crowded metro car but still feel like you’re completely separate from everyone else’s existence. Rokach, a professor at York University, çlaims that “loneliness is defined by people’s levels of satisfaction with their connectedness,” (Novotney, 2019). So the amount of people surrounding you matters less than the quality of closeness- the bonds you make between each other.

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How Carpooling Can Foster Bonds

Carpooling can combat this daily, potentially lonely, experience. In a car, the solitude can feel stifling, and on public transit, unspoken social norms discourage engagement with fellow passengers. Carpooling with others offers a refreshing socialized alternative, and if it’s done with trusted co-workers it is an even better way to harbour a healthy work environment, facilitating bonding, garnering new friendships and connections.

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Starting the day with positive social interactions can have a profound impact on your mood and productivity. Engaging with coworkers during the commute can foster camaraderie and teamwork, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. This social aspect of carpooling is often underrated but plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall work environment.

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Carpooling with coworkers or friends transforms the commute from a solitary experience into a social one. This aligns with the wants of the public, as according to CBC, carpoolers are not just looking to reduce costs but are also looking to enjoy the ride with people they like: searching for a holistically more enjoyable experience (Pan & Sharkey, 2017). Sharing a ride allows for meaningful conversations, laughter, and the simple pleasure of company, which can significantly boost morale.

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The psychological benefits of carpooling stem from combatting the feelings of loneliness and isolation we’ve mentioned. A study by Julagasigorn et al. (2021) identifies several of these benefits:

• Convenience and Comfort: Sharing a ride with others can make the commute more pleasant and less stressful.
• Empathy: Carpooling fosters a sense of helping and supporting others, which can be rewarding.
• Sense of Belonging: Regular interaction with coworkers or friends enhances a sense of community and belonging.

These benefits increase the enjoyment of the overall experience, derived from social interactions, and thus can make the daily commute something to look forward to. When feelings of isolation can creep into even the most mundane activities like commuting, carpooling stands out as a valuable solution. Embracing carpooling can lead to a more fulfilling and less isolating travel experience, enhancing both your personal well-being and your contribution to a more sustainable environment.

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Bibliography:

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Julagasigorn, P., Banomyong, R., Grant, D. B., & Varadejsatitwong, P. (2021). What encourages people to carpool? A conceptual framework of carpooling psychological factors and research propositions. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 12, 100493.

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Novotney, A. (2020, March 24). The risks of social isolation. Monitor on Psychology, 50(5). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation

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Pan, F., & Sharkey, J. (2017, July 5). Carpooling with people you like may reduce car use by up to 60 per cent. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/university-waterloo-bissan-ghaddar-carpool-drive-road-congestion-1.4190682

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Smart Commute. (n.d.). Carpool. Retrieved June 16, 2024, from https://www.smartcommute.ca/Public/PublicPage.aspx?ItemName=Carpool&FileType=HTML

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Vankar, P. (2023). Share of adults who felt lonely by age Canada 2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1425797/loneliness-among-canadian-adults-by-age/