| Follow these additional tips for a convenient and relaxing commute:
Carpoolers:
Tip #1: Arranging the carpool: A little planning goes a long way
Meet with the other carpoolers prior to start-up date and agree on an arrangement suitable to everyone regarding:
- Drive/ride only
- Shared driving
- Carpooling daily or part-time
- Back-up drivers
Also, be sure to:
- Decide on costs to be shared and confirm regular payment dates
- Determine pick-up and drop-off location
- Utilize free park & ride lots when possible
- Schedule pick-up and departure times
- Discuss policies such as smoking, eating/drinking in the car, radio programs
- Set a policy on lateness for both driver and carpoolers
Tip #2: Make sure what's fare is fair
Meet with the other carpoolers. If each person in the carpool takes a turn at driving, then there's no need to charge. If only one person drives, however, you'll want to charge each rider a reasonable fare. Here's one way to do it:
Carpool round-trip mileage x cost/mile* Divided by Number of poolers=Daily Fare Per Rider
*Operating costs average about 10.7 cents per mile for gas, oil, maintenance and tires. This does not include ownership costs such as insurance, licensing and depreciation. Source: AAA, "Your Driving Costs," 1998 edition. You may also want to include any other costs shared by the poolers, such as parking costs, tolls, etc.
Tip #3: Follow the Golden Rules
Carpool Courtesies for Riders
- Notify fellow carpoolers a day in advance if not riding in the pool
- Keep a record of fellow carpoolers' work and home phone numbers
- Do errands on your own time instead of asking carpoolers to make stops
- Adhere to the daily pre-arranged schedule
Carpool Courtesies for Drivers
- Honor set routines and time schedules
- Advise riders of any necessary time changes
- Fill up vehicle's gas tank before picking up passengers
- Plan extra time in inclement weather
- Drive carefully
- Keep vehicle in good condition, both mechanically and aesthetically
- Check insurance for rider coverage as well as possible reduction in premiums
Tip #4: Need carpool assistance? Call MetroPool!
MetroPool is here to help with all your carpooling needs including helping to find new carpool partners, finding the most convenient park & ride lots. Just Contact Us
Vanpoolers:
- Be on time to meet the van in the morning and after work (this applies to the driver and riders)
- Elect a person to be the contact for early morning phone calls regarding absences or delays
- Decide on the radio station/music you'd like to listen to in advance
- Have enough gas in the van for the round-trip
- Don't make detours for personal errands
- Refrain from smoking unless you are all smokers or all have agreed that smoking is okay
- Keep the van clean
- Select a responsible and enthusiastic driver
- Create and agree upon your own "rules of the road" right from the start.
Set the ground rules to make your vanpool a success!
|
