Reeve Paul Saindon says the RM of Ste. Anne has a new initiative to support existing carpoolers and encourage others to consider the option. 

"We were looking at perhaps setting up an actual parking lot on municipal or MIT property so that people could pool for travelling and perhaps even have plug-ins for winter use of a pool system as well."

Saindon says they have now taken the next step and set up a new Park and Ride lot for commuters just west of the RM office on the municipal yard. 

"There is an awful lot of traffic heading to Winnipeg every morning and coming back every night and I think quite often if they were to do a little research, find that they work in the same area or could easily pool their rides in order to save a whole lot of unnecessary carbon, burning gas. We are trying to accommodate them with spots where they could leave their vehicles safely."

Saindon says not only is carpooling better for the environment, but it is also a way for residents to save gas money. 

The Park and Ride lot can be used occasionally or for daily commuting as long as residents aren't parked there for more than 24 hours at a time.