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carpooling tips
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In order to get the most out of carpooling, here are
some helpful tips:
Determine a route and schedule.
Establish the
morning pickup point(s) and designate a place(s) to meet for the trip
home.
Be punctual.
Decide as a group how long the
pool will wait for a passenger. The usual waiting time is 2 to 3 minutes.
Establish a cost sharing arrangement.
If the
members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.
Establish some ground rules.
Smoking, music,
food, drinks etc. Discuss possible irritants among group, ie, some people may be sensitive to strong perfumes or colognes, some may like quiet time
in the morning.
Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities.
If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Drive carefully and keep the car clean,
in good repair and filled with enough gas for each trip.
There
should be no excuses for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless
maneuvers.
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Set up a line of communication.
If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate
driver should be notified to ensure that other members or the carpool
will have a ride. If a rider is ill or will not be working, the driver
must be contracted as soon as possible. Ensure everyone has a copy of
home, work or cell phone numbers. Don't forget to give notice of vacation,
personal or overtime plans.
Avoid side trips on the way home.
If it is for commuting to and from work, save your trips to the grocery
store for the weekend. Or, you may choose not to carpool on the days you
must run an errand.
Make sure you are covered by your
insurance company.
Some policies may offer rate reductions for ridesharing.
Check for preferential, free or
reduced-rate parking.
Give your carpool some
time to work.
It usually takes a few weeks to arrange everyone's routine
into a harmonious pattern. Most carpoolers discover they really enjoy
the company of their fellow carpoolers and find it a benefit they had
not anticipated.
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