Carpool

Carpooling saves you money. Even if you carpool with just one other person, you can greatly reduce your commuting expenses. Want to see just how much carpooling can save you? Use our calculator to find out. Carpooling also helps improve the region’s air quality, and makes commuting less stressful.

Smart Trips can help you find carpool partners with our online carpool matching database. All you have to do is sign up to be a part of the Smart Trips program. It only takes a minute to register.

Simply click on the company you work for, or “Other Company” if your employer isn’t listed. This link will take you to the Commuter Programs page, and all you have to do is click on “Join Now!” to enroll.

Once you’re officially a Smart Trips member, log in and click on “Find a Carpool” to search for carpool options in your area.

Carpool Tips

Use these guidelines to get the most out of your carpool arrangement.

• Cover the basics. In making your carpool arrangements, be sure to get answers to some key questions:
• How often will you carpool?
• How many carpool partners will there be?
• Who will do the driving?
• Do all drivers have full insurance coverage?
• Where will you meet? Carpoolers can pick each other up at home or meet at a mutually convenient location.
• When will you meet?

• Discuss carpool costs. If commuters rotate the driving equally, money doesn’t have to exchange hands. But if only one person drives the carpool, decide how the costs of gas and parking will be handled.
• Get to know your fellow carpoolers. Carpoolers who don’t know each other sometimes feel more comfortable meeting prospective carpool partners before they drive together for the first time. Plan to talk on the phone or meet for coffee to discuss carpool specifics and decide whether or not you would feel comfortable sharing a ride. You can also arrange a trial rideshare to test the waters.
• Establish some rules. Carpoolers should agree upon certain ground rules at the outset:
• Food, coffee, smoking, and perfume/cologne usage
• Radio choices
• How long drivers will wait for delays
• Who is notified if someone is sick
• Give carpooling a trial run. Many commuters start carpooling on a trial basis for a month or two. You can always add more days and more carpoolers in the future once a routine has been established. Don’t worry about getting the details perfect right away.

Carpool Etiquette

DO:

• Communicate with your fellow carpoolers. If you’re running a few minutes late, call them and let them know. If you can’t carpool on a particular day, give your carpool partners ample notice so they can make other arrangements if necessary.
• Drive safely at all times.
• Keep your vehicle clean and in good condition.
• Respect any restrictions the carpool has agreed on, such as smoking, eating, or drinking.

DON’T:

• Make a habit of being late.
• Ask your carpool partners to make extra stops along the way so you can take care of personal errands.
• Bring up controversial topics like religion or politics unless you know your fellow carpoolers well. While some people enjoy debating the issues, others may prefer a quieter commute.
• Have lengthy cell phone conversations while you’re in the carpool.