What is Car Pooling?
Carpooling (also known as car-sharing, ride-sharing, lift-sharing, and covoiturage), is the sharing of car journeys so that more than one person travels in a car.
By having more people using one vehicle, carpooling reduces each person's travel costs such as fuel costs, tolls, and the stress of driving. Carpooling is also seen as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way to travel as sharing journeys reduces carbon emissions, traffic congestion on the roads, and the need for parking spaces. Authorities often encourage carpooling, especially during high pollution periods and high fuel prices.
How do I Sign Up for Carpooling?
Download and fill out the Carpooling Application. Mail, fax, email, or phone in the application:
Wichita Transit
214 S. Topeka
Wichita, KS 67202
Fax: 858-7707
Phone: 337-9479
E-mail: SWilson@wichita.gov
The computer program will try to match you with someone. We will notify you by mail if there is a match or not. If there is a match, we will send you the other person's information. You are responsible for contacting the other person and working out the details. If there is no match, you will remain in the system and new applications will be compared to yours.
Tips for Establishing a Carpool
Picking the Partners
Finding partners who carpool by choice rather than necessity can help eliminate the inconvenience of last-minute cancellations or emergencies. A three-way carpool is ideal, as two people can share a ride even if one partner occasionally has to drive alone.
Establishing the Rules
There are many things to consider when outlining the rules of a carpool:
Set ground rules at the onset regarding smoking, perfumes, aftershaves, eating in the car, personal grooming, who controls the radio, and others.
Discuss safety issues. If you are uncomfortable with tailgating and speeding, make it known upfront.
Don't be afraid to draw up a "contract" to help clarify and reinforce each carpool member responsibilities.
Arranging the Schedule
You can arrange to have your carpool pick you up and drop you off at the location of your choice. However, you should keep in mind that most of the car's pollution is generated when you cold-start your car in the morning (starting a cold car engine emits more pollution than driving 10 miles).
Once you and your partners have established a routine that works, stick with it. You will have a schedule that you can depend on and not have to think about.
Don't deviate from the route for personal reasons without surveying the impact of doing so on your carpool companions. On the other hand, a quick stop at the convenience store may be just what they need, too.
Handling Possible Disadvantages
Emergency situations probably head the list of inconveniences about carpooling. Establishing a plan ahead of time to handle such occasions can be very beneficial for all partners. In addition, find out if your employer offers the Guaranteed Ride Home offered by Rideshare, which provides you with a FREE and reliable ride home when one of life's unexpected emergencies arise. In the meantime, you should always have a number where you can reach your carpool members in case of emergencies.
Plan to drive on the days you will need a car. Run errands and schedule appointments for those days. You could also store your bike at work for lunchtime errands.
If you know ahead of time you will have to work late, let your carpool partners know. If you are driving that day, perhaps you could take your partners home first and then go back to work. If you are not driving, perhaps you could catch a ride home with someone else working late with you.
If you are sick when you awaken in the morning, make sure you call your carpool partners as early as possible to amend the arrangements.
Other Considerations
When you are driving, make an effort to assure the comfort of your passengers. Ask before you open the window, change the radio station or adjust the climate control.
Consider making your car available to anyone in the carpool who may need it during the day. If you make safe driving a requirement upfront, you'll feel better about someone else using your car. Someday you may need the favor returned.
If you decide that your carpool is not working for you, don't be afraid to bow out and make a fresh start. There is probably a better carpooling partnership out there for you.
Keep in mind that one of the main reasons for carpooling is to help in the battle for clean air.
Employer Tips on How to Promote Carpools
Provide Employee Incentives
preferential parking for carpools
reduced parking fees for carpools
participate in Wichita Transit's discount bus pass program
flexible working hours to allow for the formation of carpools
advance notice of overtime so employees in carpools may make alternate commuting arrangements
time off work to attend carpooling organizational meetings
recognize and commend employees for carpooling (certificates and prizes)
participate in the FTA's Commuter Choice Program, to allow employees a tax-free incentive to commute to work by means other than driving alone.
Promote Rideshare
provide Rideshare information and applications in "new hire" employee orientation packets
conduct a commuter survey to determine employee travel patterns
utilize Wichita Transit's FREE computerized carpool matching service
advertise Rideshare and its benefits in a company newsletter
appoint a Transportation Coordinator to assist employees with meeting their transportation needs
conduct raffles and give prizes for ridesharers
establish a transportation information board where employees may advertise openings in their carpools or requests to join one
This informational material above was prepared with the support of the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) Grant No. DE - FG48 - 97R802102. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of DOE.