One of the problems students who drive to University have to face daily is that of parking. To help improve this situation the University Students’ Council (KSU) launched a car pooling system last November, but the number of students using the system is increasing at a slow pace, with about 20 students registering every month.
KSU president Gayle Callus said the main problems holding the system back from becoming the norm at University are the discrepancy in timetables between students, and the way timetables change over time. While admitting it would be pretentious to say the system works for every driver at University, Callus said KSU was aiming for a “cultural shift” in the way students think.
He said many University students do not like to rely on anyone and the mere thought of having a car buddy might make them uncomfortable. But if most students work with the system, there would be a radical reduction in parking problems, he said.
Apart from the car pooling system, KSU has spent in excess of the €10,000 allocated to provide better and easier ways to get to University by promoting bicycle use and walking to University for those living nearby, and offering incentives for those using public transport.
How to use the system
• Log-in to www.ksu.org.mt – Accessibility – Private car – Car pooling;
• Choose whether you are ‘Offering a lift’ or ‘Searching for a lift’;
• Choose the frequency of the trip – either ‘Once’ or ‘Regular’;
• Choose the desired departure and destination point;
• Choose between a one-way lift or both ways (round trip);
• Choose the desired date and time;
• Enter any contact details;
• Enter any additional information required;
• Press ‘Submit’.