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Frequently Asked Questions about Carpooling

What is carpooling?

Carpooling is two or more people sharing the ride, usually taking turns driving their own vehicles.

Why carpool?

Save money on gas...reduce auto wear and tear...have access to carpool lanes...qualify for perks at work like preferential parking and rideshare bonuses...reduce the stress of driving...have more time to get things done. Maybe the question should be, “Why would anyone drive alone?”

How do I find someone to carpool with?

You may want to put out the word to co-workers, neighbors and friends to see if anyone you know would like to share the ride. CommuteSmart.info also offers a free on-line carpool matching service, which gives you a list of people to call to arrange a carpool, based on where you live, where you work and your work schedule. Or, you can get carpool matching information instantly by calling 1.800.COMMUTE, and selecting the “rideshare” option.

What do I say when I call the people listed as potential carpool partners?

Simply explain why you are calling and ask to meet the other person for coffee or lunch to iron out the details.

A co-worker and I have agreed to carpool. Now what do we do?

Before starting any carpooling arrangement, it’s a good idea to meet and work out the particulars. Most carpoolers agree that the good company of their fellow carpoolers is a benefit that they really enjoy and hadn’t anticipated. So, agreement on a few simple points will ensure your carpool stays a happy one. Some of the points you may wish to cover include:

• Who drives, and when
• How often you’ll carpool
• Pick-up and drop-off arrangements
• Costs
• What happens if someone is late
• Arranging a back-up plan
• Driver duties
• Smoking rules
• Any other questions or concerns you may have

Consider establishing a carpool trial period of a week or two. This will allow you to give carpooling a try and determine if you’re suited to carpool together, if adjustments will need to be made, or if you will need to find a different carpool partner.

My commute already takes long enough—won’t carpooling make it longer?

Usually, the result is quite the opposite; teaming up with someone else may give you access to time-saving carpool lanes. On average, Southland commuters using carpool lanes shave 36 minutes a day from their drive...a full third of their total commute time. That savings in time usually makes up for the few minutes it might take to meet with your fellow passengers. The farther your commute, the more time you’ll tend to save.

What if I need my car for an emergency?

Most companies offer a guaranteed ride home in case of emergency or unexpected overtime. Contact your employer for details.

What if I can’t carpool every day?

Some people like the regularity and cost-savings of carpooling on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to go. You can set up a carpool to operate any way that works for you and your carpool partner(s). Perhaps you’ll carpool Monday through Thursday and leave Fridays open. Even setting up a once-or-twice-a-week carpool is better than driving solo all the time.

How many people should be in the carpool?

The more people in your carpool, the less you’ll pay for gas and the less often you’ll have to drive. It also means a bit more coordination, making sure everyone arrives and is ready to go. People with consistent schedules do very well with three or four-person carpools. If you need more flexibility, a carpool with one other person may work better for you.

I don’t have a car—can I still carpool?

While the typical carpool involves people with their own vehicles taking turns driving, you may be able to set up an arrangement in which someone else does all the driving while you pitch in for gas and other expenses.

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