Shoreline Community College is getting ready for employees to jump in the pool, a carpool that is.
The college is establishing four dedicated carpool parking spots on campus as part of compliance with the Commute Trip Reduction Efficiency Act, a state law first passed in 1991 and updated in 2006. The law requires local governments in urban areas to develop programs that can help reduce traffic congestion.
A new carpool parking space sign in the employee lot just south of the PUB.
“This is part of our obligation to help ease traffic congestion around Puget Sound,” said Mary Kelemen, Executive Director for Auxiliary and Logistical Support Services.
There will be two carpool parking spaces in the employee lot just to the south of the PUB and another two spaces near the 2500 building, Kelemen said. All four spaces are identified with signage.
Drivers who want to use the carpool spots will have to apply for a carpool permit and their riders must also register. To qualify as a carpool, there must be at least two registered employees, a driver and at least one passenger, in the car when using the carpool spots. Those registered for a permit must commit to carpooling on a regular basis, which is defined as a minimum of three days a week. Carpool permits may not be used for parking in the designated spots when the driver is alone. When the driver is alone, the permit is valid for parking in regular employee parking areas.
The permits will be free and made available on a first-come, first-served basis. The permit applications will be available starting Monday, Feb. 3, at the Safety and Security office on the first floor of the FOSS (5000) building.
There will be as many permits given as there are carpool parking spots. Each permit will be valid for one quarter. At the end of each quarter, and if there are more applicants than spots, the permits will rotate through the next applicants on the list.
“We’ll give this a try and then evaluate,” Kelemen said. “We are committed to meeting our obligation to take steps to reduce commute trips to campus.”
Day at a Glance 
Thank you Kathleen! It’s great to hear that we do have “car-pooler” employees! You are making our campus greener. Please have your car pool buddies come into the Security Office (5102) and obtain a car pool permit so you can park in that reserved space together. Best, Robin
Thanks! This is a great idea, as our department carpools every day with 3 employees. I would like to suggest a “car pool bulletin board” which can be online, for those that are looking for or offering car pools.