Commuting FAQs
Who does the driving?
In some carpools, each member takes turns driving their own vehicle, while in others there is only one driver. It is completely up to the carpool members to agree on a driving arrangement that will best suit all members' commuting needs.
What if I want to carpool, but don't have a car?
If you don't have a car and wish to be a carpool passenger, simply indicate that you wish to be a passenger and you will be matched with a driver who is looking to carpool with their vehicle.
How does ecoCommute work?
EcoCommute matches commuters who are closest to one another with similar commuting styles and preferences, giving users the option to commute to and from work together.
What are the benefits of carpooling and/or having a commuting partner(s)?
Employee surveys have indicated that commuters are much more satisfied when carpooling versus driving alone. The benefits are not only economic and environmental, but also promote health and wellness. It is often the perfect solution for commuters located far from their worksite or without access to transit service.
What kind of commuting styles are there?
EcoCommute is based of users’ preferences of commute. Employees have the option to carpool, transit, bike, walk, scooter, skate, and much more to work together, or alone, and log their commutes to track the amount of GHG emissions avoided during each trip.
What if I don’t find a match?
First, make sure you’ve tried adjusting your search settings. The default setting searches within 2 kilometers from where you live or work, or 2 kilometers along your route. You can expand or reduce these search distances as necessary. If you still don’t find a match, try searching again in a week or two. It takes a while to build up registrants in the database so don’t give up if you’re not immediately successful.
What do I do if the people that ecoCommute matches me with do not live close to me?
It may take time for people to register and to populate the database. If you do not find any compatible partners, try again in a week or two, and don’t forget to encourage your colleagues to sign up!
How much should carpool passengers pay?
Carpooling passenger(s) and driver(s) are welcome to come up with their own arrangements to split the cost of carpooling. When only one person is driving, or when there is an unequal split of driving responsibilities, the discussion regarding cost-sharing arrangement is encouraged by those in the carpool. The carpool members are free to base the costs on whatever they may choose.
Do I have to carpool every day?
As a driver or a passenger, you can carpool however many times you would like; every day or only a few days a week. You and your carpool members can decide on a schedule that works for everyone. Depending on your schedule, you can belong to more than one carpool; for example, you may carpool with one carpool on Mondays and Wednesdays, and then join a second carpool for the remainder of the week.
What happens if I can't carpool today?
Call your carpool partner or follow the chain of communication that was established at your initial meeting. If you're the driver, try to give your carpool members as much warning as possible.
What happens if I'm sick?
Call your carpool partner or follow the chain of communication that was established at your initial meeting. If you're the driver, try to give your carpool members as much warning as possible.
What if I have to drive my child to day care or school?
If the other members of your carpool don't have similar arrangements, make the day-care centre or the school your pick-up and drop-of point. That way you can schedule your pick-up time to correspond to the time when you know your child is happily settled in for the day.
Note: If you are going to have a pick-up/drop-of point different than your home postal code, make sure you enter the origin and destination addresses of the location where you would like to be picked up and dropped of.
What if I have to work late?
If you know you will work late on a particular day and your carpooling arrangements do not fit your schedule, don't carpool. Carpooling is meant to be a flexible and convenient arrangement. On those days when it is not convenient, you can commute to work in another manner. Take the bus or your bike, walk, work from home, or bring your own car.
What if my carpool isn't working out?
Contact ecoCommute Support. Give your present carpool sufficient notice that you will be leaving. Go back to ecoCommute to find a new carpool partner.
What area does ecoCommute support?
The application is available to all GAC employees in the NCR, which includes Ottawa and Gatineau area.