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Carpooling can be a great way to make your transportation needs less costly, less stressful, and more fun! Whether commuting to work, school, a special event or sports practice, carpooling can be an effective way to save money and reduce unnecessary vehicle use! It's an excellent way to spend more time with family and friends. To find a carpool match, we recommend that you use the website: www.carpooltool.com. There is no charge and it's simple to use - give it a try!! This website is a new initiative, so be patient, it may take a few months to get lots of people registered.
HOW TO SET UP A CARPOOL Here are three easy steps for starting a workplace carpool: - Post a map of peterborough city and county in a busy area like a lunch room or lobby. Include some paper and pins.
- Ask people to write their names and phone numbers on a piece of paper and pin it on the map where they want to go. They should also indicate if they want to be a driver, passenger or both.
- Post a sign informing people they can call the numbers on the board to arrange a carpool.
For more information on carpooling, visit: CarpoolTool.ca
COMMUTER TIPS Thinking the details through will go a long way towards making your carpool successful and happy! Here are a few things that must be discussed once you've found your carpool members: - Who will drive and when?
- Where are the pick-up and drop-off locations?
- When are the pick-up and drop-off times?
- Decide how long the waiting time will be for late passengers. (Two to three minutes is the standard.)
- Have a back-up plan! What do you do if someone is sick or missing work? Create a line of communication and ensure everyone has all home, work and cell phone numbers.
- Be sure to give fellow carpoolers notice of all vacation, personal or overtime plans that have the potential to change the traveling routine.
- Determine ground rules on such things as:
o Eating, drinking and smoking in the car
o Music and radio stations
o Seating arrangements
o Car maintenance and cleanliness
o Discuss allergies (perfumes, scents, peanuts, etc.) - Draw up a list, agreed upon by the members, on driver responsibilities.
- Establish how costs will be shared. Agree on how costs will be collected and stick to it!
- Notify your insurance company. Be sure to find out if your policy offers a rate reduction for carpooling.
- Check for preferential, free or reduced parking for carpoolers.
- Drive carefully and keep the car clean, in good repair and filled with enough gas for each trip. There are no excuses for excessive speed, use of alcohol,or driving dangerously.
- Remember your etiquette! Nothing will disrupt your carpool like people with bad manners! Being late happens, but don't make it a habit! And remember, the carpool serves one function, to get you to your shared destination. Save personal side trips for another time.
Be patient and give your carpool time! It often takes a few weeks to work out the bugs and get your carpool running smoothly. Once you get to know your fellow riders and get into a routine, you'll appreciate the benefits of carpooling!
CARPOOL LOTS IN THE CITY AND COUNTY Here is a listing of local Ministry of Transportation Ontario lots where commuters can meet to carpool: - Hwy 115 and Peterborough County Rd. 10
- Hwy 115 and Hwy 7
- Hwy 115 and Victoria County Road 32
- Hwy 7 and Television Road
- Hwy 7 and Hwy 134
- Hwy 7 and Hwy 35
- Hwy 7a and Hwy 35
- Hwy 115 and Hwy 35
Click on the following maps to find the above MTO carpool lots - indicated by a "P" in a green circle. Call 1-800-ONTARIO for a free Ontario road map that indicates MTO carpool lots.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES Download the following pdfs:
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Carpooling
