The Lowdown on Carpools

You obey the speed limit, you keep your car well maintained, you drive a fuel efficient vehicle and you take the most efficient routes. However, your daily commute is still an unavoidable requirement for getting to the job that pays the bills.

So how can you cut down on those inevitable commuter miles?

One option is to add more people to your car, otherwise known as carpooling.

Getting Started

• There are bound to be people in your neighborhood that work near you or people at work that live near you. Send out a group email to friends and co-workers detailing your route and schedule.
• There are many regional sites where you can search for compatible carpoolers. Just enter the name of your city or town and “carpool” into a search engine.

Dollars and Sense

• Once you have a list of your carpool pal’s schedules and routes, figure out a schedule that works for everyone.
• Agree on how long you will wait for latecomers and stick to a punctual schedule.
• If the driving is not shared equally, calculate mileage and agree on a payment plan. Many ridesharing websites have commute cost calculators.
• Exchange contact information and set up a phone tree and backup plan in case of illness or emergency.

Are You a Joker or a Smoker?

• Try to meet with the members of your carpool before the ride share begins to get to know one another in an informal, non-commuting setting.
• Set some ground rules about food, drink, smoking and talking (for example, avoid initiating chats in the AM with the grouchy non-morning person).
• Start out on a trial basis. Like any relationship some carpool matches may be more compatible than others.
• Be patient to allow time for everyone to settle into the new schedule.

Alterna-Pools

Ride sharing is not just beneficial for those commuting to and from work. Where else do you go on a regular basis? The same system can apply for commutes to school, the grocery store or shopping mall.

The Benefits

• If your path to work involves a highway, you now qualify to drive in the carpool or high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. Especially during rush hour, this lane will probably take you and your new occupants much more quickly to and from your destination.
• Many people who rideshare enjoy the new found car camaraderie during what used to be the doldrums parts of the day.
• Carpools enable you to visit the pump less often and greatly reduce the wear and tear on your car.
• Contact your insurance company to see if ridesharing is covered. Some insurance companies offer discounts for carpooling.
• Some garages and businesses offer free, reduced rate and preferential parking for carpools.