A new website is making it easier for Macquarie staff and students to get to the University.

Co-Hop connects users to others who commute to the local area, opening up options for car pooling, bike bussing and other smart transport options.

Car pooling and bike bussing offer multiple benefits including reducing transport costs, easing road congestion and enabling staff to socialise outside of working hours. Car pooling staff are also eligible for a Carpool Parking Permit, giving them access to marked preferential parking spots around campus.

There are psychological and emotional benefits as well, as Professor Jennie Hudson, ARC Future Fellow with our Department of Psychology explains.

“There is some evidence that people who carpool have lower stress levels and are less bothered by traffic than individual drivers,” says Professor Hudson. “It’s clear that having control and flexibility are important factors in reducing stress in a commute. A dynamic system like Co-Hop provides allows greater choice and flexibility.”

It’s free and easy to register with Co-Hop and find matches in the Macquarie Park and North Ryde precinct.  Users can log their trips to earn reward points and be eligible for prizes like Opal credit and coffee vouchers.