Carpool

Carpooling can have many benefits. It can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, vehicle wear-and-tear, and employees’ stress and cut down on gas and oil consumption, as well as costs for fuel and parking.

Carpooling with another person can reduce GHG emissions by 3.72 kilograms per day.

Tips for a successful carpool

  1. Successful carpooling requires ground rules to be set and agreed upon by all carpool members. Some tips to smooth the way are provided below.
  2. Decide who will drive on which days. Some carpools rotate driving responsibilities, while others have a dedicated driver. If there are members who wish to alternate driving, decide if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
  3. Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pick-up point(s). Try to choose a mutually convenient meeting place. Either pick up each carpooler at home or meet in a central location like a carpool lot. Designate a place or places to meet for the trip home. Stick to your schedule. Make sure everyone knows the schedule and is notified of changes.
  4. Decide how long the driver will wait for a passenger (usually no more than 2 or 3 minutes).
  5. Establish clear in-car policies. Discuss smoking, music taste and volume, food and drinks.
  6. Make it clear that the carpool is for a single purpose - commuting to and from work. Do not let it become a shopping or errand service unless all members agree.
  7. Establish a chain of communication. Identify one person as the carpool leader.
  8. If a driver or passenger is ill, the car won't start or other issues arise, there should be an easy and clear arrangement for adjusting. Make sure everyone has a list with each carpooler's home and work phone numbers and establish who is to be called when.
  9. Drive responsibly, wear seat belts and keep the vehicle in good repair.
  10. Check your insurance policy and make sure all members are aware of it.
  11. And finally, give the carpool a few weeks to get going - it usually takes a while to work out any "bugs" and to create a truly great carpool. If, despite your best efforts, it isn't working - try again with another carpool.

Benefits of Carpooling

  • It’s easy: Carpooling is simple, easy to do and flexible with ecoCommute.
  • It’s convenient: Carpooling provides commuting convenience comparable to driving alone, but with less stress and companionship while you’re commuting. Carpooling partners establish their own unique rules and arrangements that best meets the needs of their commute.
  • It saves you money: sharing the costs of driving and parking in these times of increasing gas prices can help you reduce your daily commuting costs. The more occupants in the vehicle the more you save.
  • It’s less stressful: Commuting with others means there’s less frustration and you arrive at your job more relaxed and ready to work. If you’re not driving, you might even be able to catch up on reading, get some extra sleep or work while commuting.
  • It’s better for the environment: Fewer cars on the road means reduced Green House Gas emissions and improved air quality.
  • It improves your available commuting options: Carpooling offers a commuter option that may work for you better than other modes. It serves people who live where transit service may be limited and may fit your work schedule better than other options.