Make sure to go through these points with your carpool partners to ensure that you all have the same expectations for your carpool team.
-
Get acquainted
Before making any commitments with a new carpool partner, set up a quick face
to face meeting to get acquainted and to discuss your expectations. You will be
able to determine if you are a good carpool match and discuss your carpooling
arrangements.
-
Payment
Beforehand, agree on the amount to be paid in reimbursements. What exactly does
the payment cover (gas, parking, insurance, etc)? If you are in a group, does
every member pay the same amount or does the payment reflect the commuting
distance? Determine the payment dates and what methods of payment are to be
used: cash, cheques, etc.
-
Routes and schedules
Determine your route and schedule in advance. Establish the pick up and drop
off points. Try to choose a mutually convenient meeting place, pick up each
carpooler at home or meet in a central location like a carpool lot. Designate a
place or places to meet for the trip home and stick to your schedule. Make sure
everyone knows the schedule and is notified of any changes.
-
Be punctual
Nobody likes to wait, so make an effort to be punctual. As a group, decide what
a reasonable waiting time is. And please! If your carpool partner is late,
don’t disturb the entire neighborhood by honking.
-
Set ground rules
Will there be smoking allowed? What radio channel or type of music is
acceptable? Is drinking or eating allowed? Is anyone allergic or sensitive to
perfumes? You may decide to avoid talking about controversial issues by
agreeing beforehand on what is permissible or not. Also keep in mind some
people may enjoy quiet time to read, work or unwind.
-
Driving duties
Decide who will drive on which days. Some carpools rotate driving
responsibilities, while others have a dedicated driver. If there are members
who wish to alternate driving, decide if you want to switch on a daily, weekly,
or monthly basis.
-
Drive safely
Always drive carefully and respect speed limits. Make sure everyone buckles up!
If you are not the driver, avoid “backseat driving”. Also, keep the vehicle
clean and in good running condition.
-
Chain of communication
If a driver is ill or cannot carpool on a particular day, notify your group as
soon as possible so other arrangements can be made. Establish a line of
communication on who replaces the driver if he/she cannot drive; ensure
everyone has their contact numbers in case of emergencies and make sure that
contacts are updated.
-
Stick to carpooling
Unless all members agree, avoid side tracking and stopping for errands. Keep
the trip as short as possible and for carpooling purposes only.
-
Insurance
Make sure your insurance provider covers you in case of an accident. Some
insurance companies already include carpooling in their coverage, but some
policies may not. Get acquainted with your policy to ensure that you are
properly covered.
-
Give ample notice
If you are going to leave your carpool arrangement or will be on leave for an
extended period of time, give ample notice so a replacement can be found. This
way there’s no sudden increase in cost for those who remain in the carpool.
-
Give it some time!
Starting a successful carpool may take some time and a bit of tweaking. Some
old habits are hard to break, so be patient. It may take a month or so before
you can see how easy carpooling is and how much you truly are saving. Most
people never realize how easy it is until they give it a try. So, give it some
time!