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Make sure what's fare is fair.
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. Determine
how costs will be split. Here's one way to do it:
Carpool roundtrip mileage X Cost per
kilometer ÷ Number of carpoolers = Daily fare per
Rider
You
may also want to include any parking costs you might have.
How
to keep up a successful carpool ride share?
The best way to keep your carpool running smoothly
is by working out some carpool rules in advance. Decide
how to handle issues like smoking, eating and drinking in
the car, radio playing, waiting times for tardy riders,
seating arrangements, car maintenance (a clean car is a
happy car), and driving rotation. You may even want to talk
about talking in the car. Some people enjoy it, others don't
-- especially in traffic. Agree on how to handle vacations
and bad weather. And don't forget to give everyone a list
with each carpooler's home and work phone numbers, in case
of illness or emergency.
What
if I do not own a Car or Bike?
No problem. Join a carpool that doesnt need a driver
and pay your share of the gas and parking (if applicable).
Does carpooling help the environment?
Yes! The ice caps are melting. If we keep pumping greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere at the rate we're going, everyone
in the coastal cities will need to learn how to swim. Emissions
could be significantly reduced with more carpooling.
Guidelines
to Consider when Starting/Listing a Carpool:
Establish
a trial period for the carpool.
A few weeks is a good period of time for determining if
all participants want to continue with the carpool.
Determine
drop-off and pick-up points and times.
Most carpools do this at either residences or common meeting
points. Those who must drive to join up with the carpool
can leave their cars at a safe Park lot. Some are conveniently
located along bus routes, and others, while not on bus lines,
may be good meeting places for van and carpoolers. Some
lots are shared facilities with the businesses that own
or lease the property. You may also be able to establish
a park and ride lot that is convenient to your carpools
residences by speaking with property management of a desired
location.
Decide
if one person will drive, or if the responsibility will
rotate.
Most carpools rotate driving responsibilities. If you rotate
drivers, determine the schedule and the rotation.
Discuss
personal preferences before the first day.
Radio on or off? If on, what station will you listen to?
Is smoking, eating or drinking permitted?
How long should the driver wait for a late passenger?
Establish
a chain of communication to notify each other of illness
or other changes affecting the group. more..
How much money can I save by carpooling?
Quite a bit. If commuting is 75% of your vehicle usage,
and you share your commute with two others, you will save
about 50% of the total cost of your car, including fuel,
maintenance, and depreciation. In addition there are also
savings in tolls and parking fees that add up over time.
Is my information private?
Yes. We respect your privacy, and will not distribute member
information without your permission (except in response
to verified requests from law enforcement or emergency services).
Can I place a carpool listing if
I don't have a car?
Yes. You can contribute to the expenses of the driver without
having a car, and everyone saves. This may not be possible
in all cases, but you can work out the details after receiving
a response to your listing. Similarly, feel free to respond
to a carpool listing even if you don't have a car.
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