Carpool 2.0

Sonoma County is unveiling a new tool aimed at helping commuters beat traffic, save money and reduce their carbon footprint by connecting them via a new social network accessible by smart phone.

The WeGoSonoma app went live this Earth Day (April 22) and will initially focus on commuters traveling between Petaluma and Santa Rosa, said Brant Arthur, implementation manager for the Climate Protection Campaign, which is managing the project for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. After that route is established, the program will expand throughout the county and the Bay Area.

“The idea is have your smart phone and say 'Hey, I’m leaving in 15 minutes and looking for people headed the same direction,'" Arthur says. “The technology is there, but it’s nothing without the users. So we’re looking for early adopters.” 

The app will allow commuters to connect with each other in realtime and zip through traffic faster in the carpool lane, while giving drivers credits for using their vehicle, according to Brant. But beyond the convenience, the app is a tangible step toward reducing traffic congestion and cutting green house gas emissions, say Sonoma County politicians.

Listen to Congressman Mike Thompson discuss his experience using the app by clicking the video above

The Climate Protection Campaign is now working with to roll out the app at the school this fall and developing partnerships with other educational institutions and businesses.

WeGoSonoma was funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the app created by the Avego Corporation, a transportation technology company with offices in San Jose, Washington, DC., China and Ireland. 

Would you use this application and if so, how would it help you?