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you are at: Home Carpool/Vanpool Tips for Carpooling and Vanpooling

Ridesharing Tips

Tips for successful Carpooling and Vanpooling 

Below are some subjects to consider and discuss as a group when considering forming a carpool or vanpool. Agreement on certain topics can help you get started quickly and easily as well as avoid conflict and make your carpool experience a positive one for all involved.

 
Get to know your fellow carpoolers.   
  • Meet prospective carpool partners for a cup of coffee or at a public place before driving together.
  • Decide if a trial period is necessary to test compatibility between passengers
  • If at any time you are not comfortable in your carpool, you are not obligated to continue
  • Inform Go Vermont of changes in your carpool to remain eligible for your Guaranteed Ride Home benefit.
   Discuss some key questions. 
  • How many days a week will you carpool/vanpool?
  • How many passengers will there be.
  • Who has a vehicle? If all passengers have a car, who will do the driving? Will it rotate? Some people like to establish primary and alternate drivers.
   Establish the Rules of the Road 
  • Establish a driver/vehicle schedule and rideshare payment if necessary (to cover gasoline and maintenance costs).
  • Designate the location of your pick-up and drop-off points.
  • Agree, as a group, on how long past pick-up time the carpool will wait for a rider.
  • 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”.  
  • Agree on eating/drinking/smoking/cell phone policies (if you are in a vanpool, see VPSI, Inc.  for guidelines).
  • Decide as a group if the radio will be played and on what station.
  • Agree on a personal errands policy.
   Gas-saving Driving Techniques
  • Drive with a “soft foot”, accelerating/decelerating smoothly
  • Slow down – vehicles are most efficient at 50-55 mph.
  • Maintain proper tire inflation and change air filter regularly
  • Remove an unnecessary weight for your vehicle
  • Use air conditioner sparingly
  • Remove snow and ice fro your vehicle
  • Avoid unnecessary idling.
 
For other gas-saving techniques, click here. 

 

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How to use the ride matching software

Quick Search

Get a sense for carpools/vanpools in your immediate area before you register. 

Click on a link and follow directions for a preview of those already registered with your commute.   
Carpool Finder 
Vanpool Finder

Meet Our Carpoolers

Ride along with three Go Vermont carpoolers and learn the benefits of sharing a ride.

CONNECTING COMMUTERS

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or Vanpool
bike Walk or Bike
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train Train
ferry  Ferry

PARK AND RIDE

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