A few weeks ago, if you are now a regular reader of this column, I suggested carpooling might be a good idea in Kathmandu. I was thinking of something more formal, like in some cities in other countries. But perhaps we have something better here… I suspect many of you have never heard of the Carpooling Kathmandu Facebook page. But it’s a great ini­tiative! During the blockade in the winter of 2015/16, a group of young people came up with the idea of sharing transport at this time of fuel shortages and strikes. I don’t actu­ally know who these young people are but what a great idea! Encourag­ing those with bikes, cars, or taking taxis to advertise their routes so that others could get a ride, this group has been idling in the background for the past couple of years, jumping into action when there has been a public transport strike. In addition to posting on the Facebook page, the group suggests calling at bus stops to offer rides to those waiting there. For those looking for rides, they suggest flagging down passing bikes and cars.

 

I saw this in action during the blockade and witnessed older, as well as younger, people being offered rides on motorbikes. I also saw a few funny incidents when the person being offered a ride obvi­ously had no idea about this sys­tem. A couple of young girls almost slapped the driver for suggesting they get on the back of his bike. An aunty shouted loudly at another driver, who was pretty taken aback at this reaction to his kind offer. I saw a few car drivers who were obviously clueless wondering why a group of people were trying to stop their vehicle - were they going to rob them of their precious petrol perhaps? I have yet to see someone offer a ride to a stranger on their cycle. Perhaps that’s just taking the whole thing too far!

 

Stickers were introduced during the blockade to advertise a car or bike was in this scheme. It would be great if these were reintroduced for the longer term – a kind of ID card for carpoolers so those not in the know will see that this is a legitimate offer. It would also avoid drivers getting slapped!

 

A word of caution however: to my casual glance, there seem to be fewer females posting that they are offering rides through the Carpool Kathmandu page. Perhaps a section for female drivers offering rides to female passengers would be a nice addition and provide real and perceived safety for both driver and rider. The trick is of course that this service is offered free – or through petrol sharing on longer out-of-town routes. Carpooling is not supposed to become a business opportunity. That misses the point entirely.

 

Naturally, carpooling not only helps in times of shortages and public transport strikes. It can also lead to a reduction of pollution with fewer cars and bikes on the road. That might take some time to achieve but every journey starts with a single step. And how about it as a, yes lets use the same imagery, slap in the face for those taxi driv­ers who are now so precious that they decide which routes they will go and how much they will charge? With Tootle (a motorbike taxi ser­vice similar to that in Thailand) and the other Uber like services now on offer in Kathmandu, you would think taxi drivers would be a little aware of the consequences of turn­ing down work. Apparently not. But I digress…Next time a young hunk offers you a ride, or a gorgeous girl steps out in front of your car, don’t be overly flattered. They may simply be part of the carpooling group and want your transport, not your body! And, please, don’t forget to pick up aunty, grandpa or grandma on your travels. Happy sharing.