THE EDITOR, Sir:The staggering of working hours, carpooling and shuttle services are two subjects which form the basis of a lot of arguments over these part few weeks.
In the seventies I wrote a few articles on the subject of working hours, when the price of petrol went up dramatically. What I said then, I can say now: everyone cannot leave their homes and go to work at the same hour; the roads will be choked with vehicles, and large bottlenecks will be created.
Secondly, not every type of work requires the individuals to go out to work early. Pharmacies, supermarkets, wholesale establishments, lawyers and doctors offices, hardware store workers and the like, do not have to go to these establishments until, say, 10:00 a.m. and the individual can leave work a little later in the evenings say, 6:30 or even 7:00 p.m..
Staggering working hours
Also the staggering of working hours allows those who work in emergency services and factories to go to work earlier and others to go a little later; say about two hours apart. During that period the major portion of vehicular traffic will run off and a much easier flow of traffic would be the case for the other motorists.
Staggering of working hours and shuttle services could go well in the 'flexy time' programme which is now being contemplated. It will also allow for the conservation of petrol, because the motoring public would not have to stop and start so much in this situation.
On the subject of carpooling and shuttle service, I see these as a means of conserving on petrol and of building an even more friendly community of cohorts and getting back to when we were a more hospitable and friendly society. Where we have gone wrong is believing that our motor cars are indispensable objects. It is ridiculous for me going downtown to work in my vehicle with only my son or daughter and my neighbour doing the same thing while we are going to the same locale. We take up so much space and consume so much petrol every day.
I am, etc.,
S E. MALCOLM
President
National Consumers League
