If your university or corporation does not offer commuting services, consider talking to Student Services or Human Resources about setting them up!
You want your flyer to catch people’s attention, so consider searching for an eye-catching flyer template online or adding your own bright picture of a car! The flyer should include basic information like the start and end destinations as well as the time range. You can include your first name, but beware of putting too much personal information on a public flyer. Consider creating a new email address specifically for the carpool to avoid advertising your personal contact information.
In the United States, state-run Department of Transportation sites are great places to search for pilot projects that benefit carpoolers. Michigan offers commuters in some areas van rentals at a subsidized rate. Wisconsin, Colorado, Washington, and Massachusetts also provide vanpool services and financial incentives to residents in certain regions.
Pay attention to red flags during conversation. If someone complains a lot or seems irresponsible, it’s probably not a good match. If anyone makes you feel unsafe of uncomfortable, don’t risk it. Always trust your gut.
Figure out the most fuel efficient option. If one person in the carpool has a gas guzzler and another person has a hybrid, then it might be in the group’s best interest to use the hybrid more often. If you can rent a hybrid, that might save you more money than using an inefficient vehicle that someone already owns. Consider comfort. You don’t want to be packed into a cramped space everyday or find yourself sweating profusely in a car with a broken AC. Make sure any vehicle used has an up to date registration and insurance. Think about safety concerns. Will there be enough seat belts, does the car have air bags, and has it received regular maintenance?
You can use an online commute cost calculator to determine the cost of driving for each driver. Once you calculate the overall cost to the driver, simply divide that number by the total number of passengers for that day to determine how much everybody owes. Agree on payment methods and set payment deadlines.
These conversations may seem a little awkward to have at the outset, but they are necessary to prevent conflicts down the line. You can raise this issue in an easygoing way: “How about we set some guidelines for off-limits conversation just to make sure we keep things light? What do you guys say about using the same principle I use with my family at Thanksgiving–avoid intense conversations about politics, work, and religion”?
As a commuter, you may be eligible for use of an HOV or designated express lane, which can save more time than your mapping service’s prediction may suggest! Consider purchasing an EZ pass if you need to cross bridges or pass tolls. These save extra time, and several US states offer discounts for carpools.
Make sure to leave a little extra time in the schedule to allow for routine traffic delays. Establish the amount of time the carpool will wait for any late member. Include backup plans in case a driver gets sick and can’t drive.
