The Calgary Parking Authority launched a pilot project this week it hopes will make carpooling more attractive to commuters in the core.

The city says carpooling is cheaper and a more efficient way to commute and to drive the point home it has set aside 20 stalls in the City Hall Parkade exclusively for carpoolers.

The move is an attempt to entice commuters to share rides into the downtown and the spots have been set aside in a prime location of the lot.

The stalls will be reserved, for those vehicles with two or more occupants, on a first-come-first-serve basis between 6:00 and 9:30 a.m.

“We feel that really, the prime part of the program is promoting carpooling. So we want to get the message out that carpooling is a great way to travel into the core and out of the core. And these stalls are designated for carpoolers. We can enforce, if need be, but at this point we’re just educating,” said Troy McLeod from the Calgary Parking Authority.

If the program proves to be a success, the city plans to expand it to include other downtown parking facilities it operates.

For more information on the City Hall Parkade Carpool Pilot Program, click HERE.

(With files from Bill Marks)