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Carpool Tips

Get your carpool on the road

Team up with a friend. When possible, people like to carpool with co-workers, neighbors, friends or spouses. If you're having trouble finding someone to carpool with, fill out the RideGuide registration form, and we'll send you a free RideGuide which contains a personalized list of others who want to carpool--people who live near you, work near you and have similar schedules.

Set carpool rules

Arrange to meet with potential carpool partners over coffee or lunch to iron out any details and to determine whether you're suited to carpool together. Keep in mind: The more you discuss in advance, the fewer problems you'll encounter once you're carpooling. Some of the ground rules you should cover:

  • Who drives, and when.
  • How often you'll carpool. Every day? Once a week?
  • What will happen if there is a change in someone's schedule.
  • Arrangements for pick-ups and drop-off--for example, will you meet at a Park & Ride lot, a child care center, or at one person's home?
  • What you should do on days when you can't carpool--especially if it's your turn to drive.
  • What you should do if you have to work late or must go home during the day because of an emergency (GRT).
  • How long the carpool will wait if someone is late.
  • What, if any, expenses are shared.
  • Make sure the driver has adequate insurance.
  • What sort of music will be allowed, if any.
  • Whether smoking is allowed.
  • What stops you're willing to make on the way, if any.
  • Duties of the driver, such as filling up the gas tank before picking up riders. Any other concerns or questions you may have.
  • You may also want to set up a probation period. That way, if you're not comfortable with the arrangement, you can easily end the arrangement and find another carpool.

Relax and enjoy the ride

When you carpool, you save up to thousands of dollars a year on gas, car maintenance and wear and tear--and you don't have to deal with the stress of fighting traffic every day. No wonder it's the most popular way to rideshare! Of course, you'll also be doing your part to help ease traffic, reduce smog and cut fuel-use. So sit back, and use the ride to campus to catch up on the news...on your work...or even on your sleep!