carpool
Want to carpool but don’t know anyone, or aren’t sure how to set one up?
We can help you find other people interested in carpooling online at http://www.ridedart.com/rideshare, or call Central Iowa RideShare at (515) 288-7433.
Getting Started
Cover the basics.
- Who has a vehicle?
- Who will drive?
- Do all the drivers have full insurance coverage?
- Will you meet at home, a Park & Ride lot or another mutually convenient location?
- What time will you meet?
- How often will you carpool?
Decide the dollars.
If drivers in your group rotate car use and driving equally, money doesn't have to change hands. If the driving is not shared equally, passengers can - and should - help cover the cost of gas and parking.
Get comfortable.
If you don't yet know members of your carpool, it may be helpful to get together in advance to discuss how things will work. This also is a good time to review your carpool arrangements. Successful carpools members agree on:
- Food, coffee, smoking and perfume/cologne usage;
- Radio choices
- How long driver(s) will wait for delays
- Who to notify if you are late or sick
Give it a trial run
Many commuters carpool on a trial basis, say for a month or two. Once you try it, we think you'll like itOnce you’ve got four people in your carpool, consider starting a vanpool. Drivers of vanpools drive a leased van for free.
Carpooling FAQ’s
What is carpooling?
Carpooling occurs when two or more people share a ride. It's simple, informal and can be tailored to fit even the most hectic lives.
How does carpooling work?
Carpools are based on sharing commute expenses. There are two basic types of carpool arrangements:
- ONE CAR, ONE DRIVER. Carpoolers use one car that is owned and driven by one driver. Riders reimburse the driver for mileage and parking costs.
- ROTATE CARS & DRIVERS. In this arrangement, car use and driving are rotated among the carpoolers so each person's vehicle and time is shared equally. Typically, no money is exchanged.
Who does the driving?
That is completely up to you! In most carpools, each person takes turns driving their own car. However, some carpools have only one driver.
What if I don't have a car?
No problem! When you fill out the Rideshare Application, simply specify that you would like to carpool as a passenger only and pay your share of the gas and parking.
How much does it cost?
If drivers rotate equally, carpooling doesn't cost you a cent. Rather, you'll cut your commute costs to about half of what it costs to drive alone. You pay only for gas and parking on the days you drive. If you do not drive, you should pay the driver to cover gas and parking expense. We recommend talking with the driver before you begin carpooling to establish a mutually agreeable payment amount.
How much will I save?
If you share a ride with one person, your daily commute costs will be cut in half. The more riders, the greater the savings. Carpooling could save you hundreds of dollars a year in gas, maintenance, repairs and parking.
Do I have to carpool every day?
Absolutely not! Work or personal demands may require that you have your vehicle several days a week. Carpooling lets your carpool group establish a schedule that works best for each of you. Plus, sharing a ride just two or three days a week will still save you a bundle.
What happens if I'm sick or oversleep?
We suggest calling the driver or the person who is the first stop ahead of time. In case one of your carpool partners has a tendency to be late, it's also important for the group to establish guidelines for how long your driver should wait at each stop.
What if I need a vehicle for company-related work?
Ask your employer if it has a vehicle you can drive. If not, have your employer ask the DART about leased vehicles available to employers whose employees use mass transit or Rideshare.
What if I have an appointment or errands to run before or after work?
If possible, schedule appointments on days you don't carpool. If that isn't feasible, simply notify your carpool partners that you will not be riding with them on those days.
What if I have to drive my child to daycare or school?
Try to work this out with your carpool partners. You may be able to make the daycare center or school your carpool meeting place or arrange a pool with other parents.
Now sit back, relax and enjoy the ride . . . and the extra spending money!
The online carpool registration program is brought to you by the Transportation Management Association (TMA) in cooperation with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). Visit http://www.ridedart.com for more information on DART.