Cyberabad police to launch carpooling app soon

The Cyberabad police are preparing to launch a new carpooling app for the IT workforce. This initiative follows a recommendation from Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, aimed at easing traffic congestion in the city. The plan could reduce the number of private vehicles on the road by 30%, which equals around 300,000 fewer cars each day. The app rollout is part of a larger carpooling policy that was first proposed six months ago. The new policy is expected to cut down carbon emissions by approximately 750 tonnes daily. During a recent question-and-answer session in the Telangana Assembly, the Chief Minister highlighted the need for action as over 1,600 new cars hit Hyderabad’s roads each day. The carpooling policy has been developed with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council, and it takes inspiration from successful models in cities like Singapore and the US. It aims to improve road efficiency, reduce parking needs, and lower commuter transportation costs. Former Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis noted that employees have shown strong interest in carpooling. However, a lack of formal policy has made some hesitant. The predictable traffic patterns in Cyberabad make it an ideal location for this kind of solution. The draft guidelines for the policy aim to clarify the role of carpoolers, stating that private cars used for carpooling will not be classified as commercial vehicles. It also sets limits on the number of rides a car owner can provide daily and suggests that fares should only cover costs like fuel and tolls. Incentives are also a part of the policy. Car owners could receive rebates for tolls and fuel, while riders will receive various benefits too. Companies that adopt carpooling policies can enhance their public image and contribute to sustainability efforts.