10 Tips for Successful Carpooling

1. Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup points and designate places to meet for the trip home.

2. Establish a schedule for driving responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

3. Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. If all members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.

4. Be punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a rider is running a few minutes late.

5. Agree on policies. Smoking or nonsmoking; music and volume; food and drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially.

6. Make sure carpooling serves its primary purpose. Be wary of running errands or making quick shopping stops; these can wear out the patience of the other people in a carpool.

7. Establish a chain of communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a member is ill or will not be working, the driver must be contacted as soon as possible.

8. Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean and safe. There are others involved. There should be no excuse for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless maneuvers.

9. Respect your fellow carpooler's wishes, especially in the morning when some people like a time of quiet.

10. If you lose a member of your carpool, use CarpoolNewMexico.com to find a replacement.

Adapted from information found on the Arlington, Virginia, commuter page.