Representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE) were in Bacolod City recently, where they discussed various ways to promote fuel efficiency.

Among their recommendations included carpooling, where three or more people share a ride to work; along with “carless day” programs.

They also suggested initiatives that would require the establishment of parking lots for individuals to leave their private vehicles and participate in park and ride, park and pick, or park and walk programs.

Park and ride promotes the use of public transportation, park and pick requires taxis to roam a certain area to pick up drivers who left their cars in a designated area, and park and walk encourages a healthier commute.

DOE also suggested a park and wait program, which requires drivers to turn off their engines if they are waiting for more than 30 seconds, along with limiting engine warming to 30 seconds./WDJ