If you’re into being eco-friendly and/or are looking for an easier way to find parking at Skyline College, then you should look into this new program Skyline is offering. Skyline College is taking on a new project to help keep the environment healthy and clean.

The college is starting a car/vanpool program in which students, staff, and faculty can participate by filling out an application. This application can be found at the Skyline College Public Safety Office or downloaded online from the skyline website.

To qualify for the program, you must either be a student or an employee for the San Mateo Community College District. At least one student must have paid for a semester student parking permit, and each student involved must be taking at least one class at Skyline College. Lastly, you need a minimum of three students or district employees on the application.

Vehicles must have the permit displayed on their car in order to park in the special car/vanpooling parking space. The permits are only valid for the semester it is issued. The benefits of this program include saving money on gas when commuting, reducing the need for parking, and it also reduces carbon emission.

Currently, the average American who drives 15,000 miles per year emits over 17,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), the major contributor to climate change. Carpooling and/or driving a fuel efficient vehicle can more than double fuel efficiency of the average car and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide.

“I’m all for it, less cars better parking, would benefit everyone. My only concern is finding people to pick you up,” said Mark Torres, a student of Skyline College.

“I can see that it may cause conflict with schedules and stuff, different students having different schedules, some schools have to go home early and some have to go late, it would depend on who I am carpooling with.”