Tips to Start and Keep Ridesharing

Tip 1: Talk

• Determine pick-up and drop-off sites and times.
  
• Determine whether you will rotate driving equally, or contribute to the costs, including gas and maintenance.
  
• Determine whether smoking or eating will be permitted.
  Determine if the radio will be on or off.
  
• Determine what would disqualify a member from the pool (tardiness, dangerous driving, breaking rules, car in poor condition, etc.).
  
• Check everyone's insurance coverage.

Tip 2: Prepare

• Carry a card with every pool member's name, work and home phone number.
  
• Call ahead of time if you are not planning to use the carpool one day or if you are working late.
  
• If you work late, take public transit or look for an alternate driver from your matchlist who leaves an hour later than your regular time. Call ahead of time to make arrangements to carpool with them when you can't make your regular times. Make sure to carry a card with their name, work and home number and carpool times.

Tip 3: No Errand

• Travel straight to work and straight home. Stopping for errands and ridesharing do not mix.

Tip 4: Keep it Going

• It takes time to organize a successful carpool.
  
• Be flexible in determining the best pick-up and departure times.
  
• Start on a trial basis to allow for adjustments of ridesharing arrangements. Then you will be able to set up a cooperative and harmonious carpool group.

Tip 5: Go With the Flow

• People move and change jobs. Expect an occasional adjustment.
• To continue carpooling, try:

• Filling out a rideshare matchlist

• Posting notices on company bulletin boards or newsletters, or using company E-Mail or voicemail.