Next time you're stuck in traffic, visually subtract every fourth car. Breathing easier? Now remove every third car and you're practically home already. That's that magic of carpooling.
It will take a bit of effort for carpooling to reach that level of market penetration, but it's among the most efficient solutions out there for cutting back on drive-time emissions. According to 2000 data, 97 million Americans drive alone to work, while 14 million carpool at least a couple of days a week.
What makes carpooling so efficient is that those seats would otherwise be empty. And the more people who carpool, the more efficient the system gets as people are more likely to find close route matches. If we got just one million more people to carpool every day, it would prevent approximately 29 million pounds of carbon dioxide from direct fuel savings alone -- every day. And at $3 a gallon it would save $4.4 million daily. Carpooling also reduces congestion, which makes every other vehicle on the road more efficient. It reduces the need for more lanes, and it reduces vehicle wear and tear, saving significant resources down the line.
One of the potential benefits of carpooling is access to HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, otherwise known as carpool lanes. Governments around the US have recognized that roads would be much less congested if there were more people in each car. HOV lanes can be found on many congested roads in about a third of US states. Depending on the city and roadway, carpoolers with 2 or 3 people in the car can take advantage of the faster moving HOV lanes during commute hours or all hours. In addition to roadways, HOV lanes frequently exist on congested bridges.
The only infrastructure needed for carpooling is information: How do you find your partners? The obvious place to look is at work. Many companies have rideshare and vanshare programs, and some will even subsidize costs. If that doesn't work, try calling companies near you or seek out a regional rideboard. Most metropolitan regions have some kind of online and phone-based system for connecting carpoolers. The trick is finding it. They are often supported by your regional planning organization (also called an MPO), so start there. A simple web search for "carpool [yourcity]" may work, but you may also turn up some fledgling websites with minimal reach, so exercise customary precautions. Craigslist is another option.
Some areas -- Washington D.C. and the San Francisco Bay Area, for example -- have developed highly organized informal networks that allow a single driver to pick up passengers to qualify for the HOV lane. Ask around, and be sure you learn all the etiquette before you jump in. In D.C. for example, where the practice is called slugging, it's against personal safety protocol to leave a woman alone in a slugline, especially at night. A quick web search will identify the locations for joining a carpool.
Successful carpooling is about etiquette and consideration. Some suggestions for running a smooth car pool are:
- 1. DON'T BE LATE.
- Late fees -- What are the rules for latecomers? How long will you wait? 2 minutes? 3 minutes? 5?
- Radio stations -- Driver's preference -- everybody else can headphone it.
- Cell phones -- 2 minute time limit, no dishing! What about the driver?
- No errands
- Smoking? Food and drink? Perfume or cologne?
- Share all contact information and make a communication plan in case of sickness or emergency. Some companies and communities offer a guaranteed ride home in the event of an emergency.
- Call your insurer to be certain that carpoolers are covered; some even offer a discount to carpoolers. Take the opportunity to check your personal liability coverage to make sure you're comfortable.
- Money. If everybody shares equally in the driving, no money changes hand. Otherwise, agree how to divvy up the costs beforehand. Be sure to include maintenance, which can improve mileage significantly and also makes for a safer, more reliable ride. Here's a commuting cost calculator to help.
2. A car is very personal space, and sharing it can be tricky. Make sure you're comfortable with the people you're riding with. Begin by getting together to talk about carpooling, instead of jumping right in. If you decide to move ahead, plan a trial run. Give it enough time to work out the kinks but not so long that you can't wait for the no-fault bail.
3. My car or yours? Who drives and how often depends on both practical and personality issues. If you can't reach agreement you may want to cut your losses and look for a better fit.
4. When and where? Geography and schedules will help determine if you're meeting at a central location or providing curbside service. Find out how flexible your employer is.
5. While you're meeting, set a few ground rules. Some areas to consider and suggested policies:
6. Logistics.
