COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- A new school year has arrived, and with it comes busy schedules.
In an effort to minimize stress, many families carpool to and from school.
But for parents who do not have a carpool in place, the City of Colorado Springs is offering to help with a free service.
"The School Pool program is a great opportunity for parents to help with transportation needs, it is put on by Metro Rides," Vicki McCann with Mountain Metropolitan Transit said.
So here is how it works.
All parents have to do is fill out an application.
The Metro Rides office then uses a computerized program to match families in the Pikes Peak region based on their home and school location.
"Parents then receive a list of other parents whose children go to the same school," McCann said. "They can then contact each other and set up a carpool."
McCann said carpooling is not the only option for families.
She said parents whose children ride their bikes, or walk, can also set up a schedule to have an adult accompany them.
And what about safety?
McCann said they do not give out addresses, just names and phone numbers.
"It is up to the parents if they want to do any background checks," McCann said.
Along with cutting down on stress, McCann said carpooling saves time, money, and minimizes pollution.
Local parents said it also seems like a great way to meet other families in their area and increase awareness.
"It is hard to just let your kids go and not know anybody, so it is excellent to have more parents involved," mother Stephanie Powell said.
Others agreed it is a good service.
"You should always have a neighborhood watch system, people looking after other people," father Kevin Diesing said.
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