Carpool program launched at Royal Columbian, Surrey Memorial Hospitals and Surrey City Central
March 2024 saw the launch of Fraser Health’s first carpool program at Royal Columbian Hospital, expanding to Surrey Memorial Hospital and Surrey City Central in August.
With over a decade of experience with Integrated Protection Services, Fraser Health’s dedicated Carpool Program Advisor Meagan Argumedo began leading the carpool initiative, driven by her personal passion for reducing environmental impact.
Staff can sign up for the carpool program on the Health Care Commuter Platform and App.
The program aims to reduce vehicle trips by offering staff incentives, such as a 50 per cent subsidy on parking fees for those who carpool at least five times per month. The initiative helps reduce carbon emissions while also addressing growing challenges of limited parking availability and commuting costs.
The program platform allows employees to find carpool partners, log trips and even to track the carbon footprint of their commute. By providing information on walking routes, bus schedules and biking options, the integrated approach gives staff a range of commuting options for their specific needs.
My children are my biggest motivation,” Meagan shares. “I want to set a good example for them and future generations and contribute to creating a world where global warming is not as significant a concern as it is today.”
This personal drive has fueled her professional efforts, where she collaborates with colleagues like Pedro Pedraza, Lead Coordinator of Parking Administration, to ensure the success of the program.
Despite some challenges, such as promoting the program and dealing with the sporadic nature of hospital shift schedules, the carpool initiative is steadily gaining traction.
Meagan encourages people to just try it out.
You don’t have to carpool every day. Even carpooling once a week or even once a month makes a difference.”
To learn more about the carpool program and other transportation programs at Fraser Health and PHSA, visit the Health Care Commuter Platform and App.
