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 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!