Mountain Rideshare: New way of reaching Scotland's hills and snow slopes launched
Online platform to connect drivers and passengers
A ride share scheme for people looking for a lift to outdoor pursuits such as hill walking and skiing is being launched in Scotland.
The move has been welcomed by a snow sports resort for potentially easing pressure on its car parks, increasing accessibility and reducing emissions.
Mountain Rideshare already operates in England and Wales along with European countries such as Finland and France.
It aims to offer “a simpler, more affordable, and more sustainable way to reach mountain resorts, ski centres, bike parks, outdoor centres and events.”
The free service puts would-be travellers in touch with drivers with spare seats via an online platform.
It said: “Many destinations are difficult to reach without a car, public transport options are limited, and rising travel costs create barriers for people who want to spend time outdoors.
“For travellers, the platform helps save money, reduce travel stress, and make outdoor trips more social.
“For resorts, facilities, and event organisers, Mountain Rideshare offers a way to improve visitor experience, reduce congestion and parking pressure, and encourage participation from people who might otherwise struggle to attend.
Dinesh “Tosh” Jethwa, the platform’s founder, said: "Shared travel to mountain destinations is a simple win.
“Fewer cars on the road, less congestion at venues, lower emissions, and better access for people who want to get outdoors.
"It's crazy to think there are so many cars driving to the same slopes, each with spare seats in them,.
"All these people with a shared love of the mountains - who could be travelling together, swapping stories, saving money, and reducing pollution at the same time.”
Mike Gifford, chief executive of the Cairngorm Mountain resort, near Aviemore, said: “Vehicle sharing is a great initiative and something we would support from an environmental perspective.
“Our top car park holds 700 cars, and our bottom car park holds around 800. On a busy weekend or holiday period, both can be full by 9.30-10am.
“Car sharing would allow more people to access the slopes on busy days and reduce traffic on the roads and car parks.”
However, he warned: “People would need to satisfy themselves from a safety point of view that they were happy to car share with strangers.
“But it would reduce carbon emissions to and from the resort which would be great.
“It would also increase access for people who don't own vehicles, which would make the mountains more accessible.”
Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Sadly, transport remains a big barrier to rural walking, especially for young people and less well-off communities.
“We know environmental issues are close to the heart of the outdoors community, with Ramblers Scotland groups often walking locally or sharing sociable car, bus and train trips when they explore further afield.
“We hope that emerging new transport platforms can further cut the financial and environmental cost of hillwalking, while ensuring people from all backgrounds feel safe and empowered to enjoy our iconic mountains and world-class access rights.”
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