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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.