How many opportunities allow you to save money and get to know your neighbors better at the same time? If you’re willing to exchange some privacy and control over the radio for companionship and help paying for gas, then starting an apartment community carpool for work commuting or shopping trips may be for you.
Here are some tips for getting a carpool or ride-share program started in your apartment community.
Talk first to your community managers.
A carpool program may already exist for your community. Check in with a community manager to determine if a ride-share program is in place where you live.
See if there are local incentives for carpoolers.
Many states and cities have special programs set up to encourage carpooling, vanpooling, and ride-sharing. Search online for potential incentives, such as rider coordination assistance or help with parking costs.
Get the word out.
Use your apartment community’s bulletin board, or post a notice in a laundry room or other common room. You might set up a listing for your apartment community on a site such as eRideShare.
Establish some ground rules.
Once you’ve identified prospective carpoolers, you’ll want the group to meet and make sure everyone is on the same page about:
● Compensation. Decide who will drive and who will ride, and determine appropriate compensation for this arrangement. If one person is doing all the driving, for instance, then he or she should be compensated by the other riders for the assistance. Another possible setup is that driving rotates among the carpoolers, each of whom pays for the gas on his or her turn.
● Schedule. Establish clear lines of communication for all members of the carpool. Answer questions like who gets picked up first, or last? What happens when someone is delayed? How long should the driver wait before leaving? How should people communicate that they are sick or working from home on a particular day?
● Etiquette. Make sure the members of the carpool get along. Are there musical preferences for trips (classical? pop? none at all?) Can cell phones be used? Is eating or drinking allowed in the vehicle? Common courtesy is important in this situation.
Give it a try.
Carpooling is an ongoing process, as people’s jobs and schedules change; old riders leave and new ones enter. Don’t be afraid to make changes to help people (including yourself!) feel comfortable.
