What does car pooling mean?
Carpooling is the shared use of a car by the driver and one or more passengers, usually for commuting.
What will it cost me?
MySpareSeat.com is free to use however all passengers are expected to contribute to the costs associated with the ride to work. If you prefer to calculate the cost for your specific vehicle, use this (calculator link). Keep in mind that the calculator does not include parking fees or tolls. Depending on your carpool, it may be appropriate for a rider to help pay for some of those expenses, too.
Am I committed once I choose to ride with someone?
You are free to choose when and how long you wish to carpool for. It would be wise to give passengers plenty of notice if you wish to cease driving so they can secure other rides.
Are my details secured?
Member's sensitive data (password and email address) are encrypted, and never displayed on public areas. MySpareSeat.com site security has never been compromised using standard SSL encryption for all communications between browser and server.
How will carpooling benefit me?
The benefits of carpooling are many. If you are currently driving every day, you’re going to save money on your commute costs by carpooling. In some cases, depending on the length of your commute and the number of days you don’t drive, the savings can be significant. You’ll also enjoy less wear and tear on your vehicle because you’ll be driving it less. You’ll endure less stress on your commute. Finally, by driving less you’ll be helping to keep the air clean.
How do I know if carpooling is right for me?
You really won’t know if it’s a good long-term solution for you until you try it. But, going in, you should be willing to do two things. First, you should be willing to work out a schedule that is convenient for you and the others in the carpool. Second, you should be willing to compromise a bit on conditions in the carpool, if necessary. For example, if everyone likes to listen to a different radio station, the car radio may not be tuned to your favorite station every day.
How do I find other carpoolers?
This part is easy! By registering your details with MySpareSeat we provide a list of all members that live and work near you. You have the luxury of choosing which ride or who you wish to take with you on your way to work.
I’ve just found some matches using MySpareSeat. What should I do now?
You can send an instant e-mail to any of your matches through MySpareSeat, and you don’t even have to write the message; just send the pre-written one if you prefer.
Once you’ve made the initial contact and the match has responded, we suggest you set up a time and place to meet in person to talk about possible carpool arrangements. Some good topics to address at this first meeting include:
· How often you would like to carpool, at least initially
· Who wants to drive, and how often
· Meet up/pickup time and place for both ends of the commute
If it looks like everyone wants to try out carpooling, you should:
· Choose a date to start
· Exchange cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses
· Make sure drivers have valid licenses and auto insurance
Is carpooling safe?
Statistics show carpooling is very safe. However, you must keep your personal safety in mind. If you are considering carpooling with people you do not know, you should meet with them in person beforehand. This meeting will serve two purposes. First, you’ll have a chance to discuss your ideas on setting up a carpool without obligating yourself to do it. Second, you’ll be able to assess your comfort level with the people. Ask questions and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone, don’t carpool with that person. You can simply say that you’ve decided carpooling won’t work for you.
Are carpoolers supposed to take turns driving?
They can, but it’s not a requirement. In fact, a carpool may include people who will not drive at all. In these cases the “riders” should plan to pay the driver an agreed-upon amount to help out with driving costs. If a carpool does switch drivers, this can be done on a daily basis, a weekly basis or longer, depending on the carpoolers’ preferences. This may change over time as new people join the carpool.
Do I have to carpool every day?
Not unless you want to. Carpooling is flexible enough so you can choose the number of days you’d like to share the ride. If you have occasional before- or after-work commitments, just let your carpoolers know that you won’t be available those days.
What are some ways to organize picking up and dropping off people on carpool days?
There are a number of different ways to organize the logistics. If carpool members live close to each other, then the driver can simply come by each person’s house to pick them up. If that’s not feasible, then carpoolers can meet at one of the members’ houses or a centrally located public place.
On the other end of the commute, carpoolers can plan to meet at a centrally located spot for the driver to pick them up if they don’t work at the same company.
Are there any insurance or liability issues I need to be aware of?
Insurance policies vary, and it is a good idea to check your policy — primarily the Exceptions/Exclusions portions. General liability insurance covers passengers, and most policies would not exclude carpool members, but it is worth checking. Another good reason to put in a call to your agent is to see if you qualify for a carpooling discount.
What if I have an appointment or errands to run before, during or after work?
If you have an appointment or errands before or after work and need your car, don’t plan to carpool that day. If your appointment is during work, then plan to drive the carpool that day so you’ll have your car.
If you currently are in the habit of using your car to do errands, go to lunch or go to appointments during the work day, it’s a good idea to ease yourself into carpooling by doing it just once a week initially. Then, find ways to reduce your dependence on driving so you can carpool more often: bring your lunch to work, bundle your errands or take care of them online if possible.
Is there such a thing as good carpool etiquette?
Every carpool is unique, but good etiquette is essential to keep it running smoothly. Good etiquette takes into account communication, courtesy and the safety of everyone in the carpool.
