Etiquette

· Establish meeting points and times, and drop-off locations. Stick to those times because few things end carpools quicker than habitually late passengers and/or drivers. Establish a waiting time after which the rider will be left behind.

· If more than one person will be driving, prepare a schedule. If there are members of the carpool who do not drive or drive less than others, they should reach agreement with other carpoolers as to providing compensation for expenses of those who do drive. Although local laws and insurance rules usually prevent drivers’ actually charging passengers, contributions are always welcome, while freeloaders are rarely welcome.

· Exchange contact information with other carpoolers and contact drivers when you will not be riding so they are not sitting outside your house or the parking lot at your work waiting for you. Drivers may want to contact passengers as they near pick-up points so that the passengers do not end up waiting outside any longer than necessary.

· All carpoolers should come to agreement regarding issues such as smoking, music or other entertainment, whether food and drinks are allowed in cars, etc. Fortunately, passengers have plenty of options for privately listening to their own music, talk radio, etc. It may be that some riders prefer quiet so they can read or sleep.

· Drivers must keep their cars clean and tidy. No one wants to ride in a dirty car or share their leg room with items needlessly left in the car.

· Drive carefully. Aggressive driving or exceeding the speed limit may make some passengers nervous.

· Don’t stop for errands along the way. Save them for after you drop off all passengers.

· Minimize the use of cologne and perfume. Some have allergies and others may simply not share your appreciation of the scent.

· Take care of personal hygiene matters before your ride arrives.

Following the above guidelines will greatly improve your odds of having a successful carpool.