Tips for a successful carpool
Successful carpooling requires ground rules to be set and agreed upon by all carpool members. Some tips to smooth the way are provided below:
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Agree to meet your potential carpool partners for the first time in a public place (a coffee shop, the library…) to gauge whether you are compatible carpooling partners.
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Use the Yukon Rideshare Discussion Checklist as a starting point.
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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.
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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 convenient central location. 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.
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Decide on a method for reimbursing driving expenses. If all members do not share the driving equally, agree how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.
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Decide how long the driver will wait for a passenger (usually no more than 2 or 3 minutes).
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Establish clear in-car policies. Discuss smoking, music taste and volume, food and drinks.
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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.
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Establish a chain of communication. Identify one person as the carpool leader.
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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 making adjustments. Consider an alternative drive, sharing a taxi, taking transit. Make sure everyone has a list with each carpooler's home and work phone numbers, and establish who is to be called when.
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Drive responsibly, wear seat belts and keep the vehicle in good repair. There is no excuse for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless manoeuvres.
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Check your insurance policy and make sure all members are aware of it. It is recommended that you have a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance, and be insured for commuting and carpooling.
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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.