Metro Rides' tips for successful carpooling
Get to know your fellow carpoolers.
o Meet prospective carpool partners for a cup of coffee or at a public place before driving together.
o Decide if a trial period is necessary to test compatibility between passengers.
o If at any time you are not comfortable in your carpool, you are not obligated to continue.
o Inform Metro Rides of changes in your carpool to remain eligible for your Guaranteed Ride Home benefit.
Discuss some key questions.
o How many days a week will you carpool?
o How many passengers will there be?
o Who has a vehicle? If all passengers have a car, who will do the driving? Will the schedule rotate? Some people like to establish primary and alternate drivers.
Establish the Rules of the Road
o Establish a driver/vehicle schedule and rideshare payment if necessary (to cover gasoline and maintenance costs).
o Designate the location of your pick-up and drop-off points.
o Agree, as a group, on how long past pick-up time the carpool will wait for a rider.
o Establish a contact list complete with home, work and cell numbers. Include acceptable calling times in case of weather, change of plans, or emergency. If part of a larger group, this may include creating a "phone tree."
o Agree on eating/drinking/smoking/cell phone policies.
o Decide as a group if the radio will be played and on what station(s).
o Agree on a personal errands policy.
Gas-saving Driving Techniques
o Drive with a "soft foot," accelerating/decelerating smoothly.
o Slow down - vehicles are most efficient at 50-55 mph.
o Maintain proper tire inflation and change air filter regularly.
o Remove an unnecessary weight from your vehicle.
o Use air conditioner sparingly.
o Remove snow and ice from your vehicle.
o Avoid unnecessary idling.
