Frequently Asked Questions


Carpooling

  1. Is there a charge to use this service?

    No, our carpooling service is completely free to use.

  2. Who does the driving?

    In some carpools, all members take turns driving their own vehicle, while in other groups there is only one driver. There is no hard and fast rule: it really depends on the individual circumstances of those in your carpool.

  3. How much should carpoolers pay?

    Carpool members are free to base the cost-sharing on whatever they choose. In general costs should be shared as evenly as possible.

  4. How much will I save by carpooling?

    Savings will vary depending on the arrangement you have set between your carpool members. Compared to driving alone, most carpoolers cut their expenses by half.

  5. What if I don't have a car?

    No problem. When you register simply indicate that you wish to be a passenger only.

  6. What happens if I oversleep or am late?

    Being late, or having to wait longer than anticipated, is one of the most common reasons why carpools fail. Just like public transit, carpools work best when they are on a defined schedule. Being on time is just as important in a carpool as it is with public transit. Each carpool should have clear guidelines for how long they will wait. A back-up plan is recommended just in case.

  7. What happens if I'm sick?

    Call your carpool partner or follow the chain of communication that has been decided upon at your initial meeting. If you're the driver, try to give as much advance warning as possible.

  8. What if I have to stay on campus a bit late?

    Either don't carpool if you know that you will need to work or study late on a particular day, or let your group know that you won't be carpooling home that day. Carpooling is meant to be a flexible and convenient arrangement. On those days when it is not convenient, you can commute to work in another manner. Take the bus, bike, walk, telework/telestudy, take a cab, or as a last resort bring your own car.

  9. Will encouraging carpooling reduce public transit use?

    This service is all about improving travel options for commuters. Typically carpoolers are those whose schedules, point of origin or destination make it difficult for them to use transit. There are no known studies that demonstrate a correlation between a ridematching system and reduced public transit use. People who change their commuting habits to carpooling are generally SOV (single occupancy vehicle) drivers.

  10. What about car insurance?

    Personal or corporate vehicle insurance depends on your policy. Therefore it is highly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before initiating any carpool. The University of Ottawa assumes no responsibility for insurance issues.

  11. What if my carpool isn't working out?

    Give your present carpool sufficient notice that you will be leaving. Go back to our ridematching Web site to find a new carpool partner and give it another try. Not everything new will work on the first attempt!