Going to one of the biggest concerts of the year doesn't have to create extra pollution

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As the Eagles roll into the city in less than a month, concert organizers hope those attending will be rolling into the show in a more eco-friendly way. Many 'green' ways to travel to the concert site this summer have been planned.

However, Moncton's newest endeavor to provide 'greener' transportation to the site is the partnership developed with PickupPal.

PickupPal is a global, eco-friendly transportation revolution that connects drivers and passengers with the places they need to go.

PickupPal allows a private vehicle already headed to the festival to be matched intelligently and dynamically over the Internet to a pickup location along its planned route.

"Our goal at the Magnetic Hill Music Festival is to introduce people to the idea of 'doubling up and cutting down' by using PickupPal to Rideshare to and from the event," explains Jillian Somers, Coordinator, Tourism and Events Marketing for Moncton.

PickupPal is the newest of four eco-friendly transportation methods for the concert.

"Basically what we've done is we've tried to look at ways to make efforts to be greener when it comes to the concert," explains Jillian.

"In order to do this we have made four initiatives, adding two new ideas to the plate since last summer."

The first of these initiatives is the most evidently green method to arrive to and from the concert - by walking.

"We encourage everyone to walk if they are able," Jillian says. "We know this is not always a possibility, but 'walk up access' is available from the main entrance on Mountain Road."

The second initiative is Public transportation through Codiac Transit.

"Regardless of what bus you get on during the day of the concert you will end up at the concert site," explains Jillian.

"If you advise the driver, they will ensure you get on the proper transfers. The cost for a round-trip ticket is $7.50 and can be bought in advance at any Shoppers Drug Mart stores, or the day of the concert from Codiac drivers."

"The third initiative is as result of a concert-goer suggestion," says Jillian. Bicycle access from the main entrance on Mountain road, along with a designated lock-up area will be available.

There will be security on site to help in the protection of the bicycles.

"We are happy to be able to provide this service, and it will be a norm for years to come."

"PickupPal is a bit of a new one for us, it's our parking initiative," Jillian says.

"It has been quite successful in other areas, and we are excited, and hopeful about it for the Moncton Concert Festival."

PickupPal is a way to carpool with those in your area just by signing up online.

"You either register as a driver, or as someone looking for a drive, and based on your area you are matched up with people," she explains.

"From there a designated pick-up place is determined. The cost for those registered through PickupPal is $10 per vehicle, and it is up to those in the vehicle to decide how the cost will be paid.

"When registered as a driver you will receive a parking pass via e-mail, when you arrive at the site you must provide your pass along with the $10 fee."

PickupPal pass holders are the only ones designated to onsite parking.

If you are interested in registering for the PickupPal transportation to and from the concert, go to www.magnetichillmusicfestival.ca.

"You can register now," says Jillian. "We are excited about the opportunity to do something great for the environment while making it easier and more fun to travel to and from the concert.

"All four initiatives serve a need for our concert-goers, but allow us to wear a green hat as we do it."