Ridesharing Your Way Through the Gas Crunch

No matter where you are in the country, chances are you have felt the effects of rising gas costs. If you have kicked around the idea of ride-sharing (or carpooling) to save money or go green, but have not started yet, because of the inconvenience, here are a few tips for making ride-sharing less of a pain.

The most important aspect of ride-sharing is finding someone with a schedule that works well with yours. For a work commute, sharing a ride with someone from the office would be ideal. Before you commit, however, make sure you keep the same hours. If you frequently work late, and she likes to go in early to avoid traffic, some major adjustments will have to be made. But if you are both nine-to-fivers, then the mild inconvenience of not being able to run out for lunch, will definitely be made up for in the monetary savings. Check with your boss to see if the company can facilitate a carpooling program.

If sharing with a coworker will not work, there are many other places to find a ride. There are many ride-sharing networking sites. For a comprehensive list, and for those available in your area, go to www.rideshare-directory.com. Yes, you will have to meet new people, but that can be a good thing. Although thousands of people use these sites successfully, use your good common sense and be safe. Make sure someone knows who you carpool with, and if you are uncomfortable at all, do not continue sharing.

Punctuality is extremely important in ride-sharing. Other people become dependent on your ability to be on time when you enter into a ride-sharing commitment. Be organized and on time whether it is your day to drive or theirs.

Common courtesy is very important in ride-sharing. In addition to punctuality, be respectful of the other person's vehicle. Ask if you can eat or drink in the car before doing so. Remove any trash or personal belongings when you exit. When you are driving, make your passengers as comfortable as possible.

On this same note, obey the laws and safety rules. Everybody should buckle up. It is the law. Even if it is uncomfortable to tell a grown up to buckle up, it is better to be safe than sorry. Check you insurance policy for any ride-sharing related rules to make sure you are fully covered (it is a good idea to check your rider's, also).

When you set up your schedule with your ride, make sure that you both are clear on what is expected and what to expect. Make sure you have each other's contact information. Decide what a reasonable window for cancellation is. Figure out how to split the costs and drive time equitably. The less gray area, the more likely that this will be a successful venture.

Finally focus on the positives. Even if your ride is occasionally late, or if she is way to chatty in the morning, look at how much money you are saving. If you live in states with carpool lanes, you are most likely saving traffic time, too. Not driving occasionally gives you a little more downtime in the morning. If you are not rushing out to shop or have a lavish lunch during the day, you will probably save money there, too!

Ride-sharing is a great way to go green and save green. The gas crunch may be making this a necessity for you, so, be safe, be organized, be polite, and be positive for a good ride-sharing experience.