Using the Super Highway to Find a Ride

In today's economy, ride sharing or car pooling can be a resourceful way of getting where we want to go without spending lots of money. some reasons that people ride share are: gas or petrol prices are increasing, the wear and tear on a vehicle is greater the more that it is used and ride sharing or car pooling will decrease pollution. Ride sharing is not always a pleasant experience, though. Here are some rules to make sure that you are safe and that your sharing experience goes smoothly.

There are many types of ride sharing possibilities. Of course, people can "car pool." This means that each person takes their turn at driving. In this way, everyone has the burden of paying for gas and using their time to drive others. Sometimes one specific person's car is used because it is more spacious or better on gas. In this situation, it is appropriate not only to share the driving, but to divide the gas cost up evenly. If there is a person who lives a bit farther out than the rest, it is polite to have that person pitch in a bit more for the ride, especially if he/she is being picked up at their residence. sometimes carpoolers designate a central location to meet.

Another type of ride sharing is the "pickup." In this scenario, one person always does the driving with their own car. The riders share the gas money and compensate the driver for his/her time.

Be careful. Know the person before you decide to share their ride. Sometimes it is hard to know who is reliable and who is a good driver/rider. Talk to friends and maybe employees. Generally, I would suggest that a female and male who are not acquainted not ride share if they are the only two in the vehicle. Sometimes a person's work history will tell you if they will be dependable as a driver/rider. An unreliable driver won't get you to work when you need to be there. An unreliable rider will make you late for your job or appointments and might breach the verbal contract when it comes to monetary compensation. If you feel any hesitation about riding with a driver or driving a rider, it is best to error on the side of caution.

Be specific. It is important to know when you will need to be picked up, where you are going and when you will need to return. If you must leave a bit earlier than you are use to or must stay a bit later at work than your routine permits, it is important to try and be flexible. The driver will have to set a schedule for picking everyone up and dropping them back home. In cases where there is a central meeting place, it is pertinent that every rider is there on time. It is also important to decide how long to wait for late riders. No one likes to be late for work... ... especially when it is someone else's fault. If you can't compensate your driver with money, it is a good idea to offer your services in another area. Maybe you can babysit for them once a month or make them a lunch once a week or do their yard work... etc. Make these arrangements in advance. A good cleaning of the automobile would be a welcomed gesture of gratitude.

Exchange information. Get all parties' contact information in case of any emergency. Each person should be willing to share their email address and a cell or home & work numbers where they can be reached.

Relax! Remember that it is not your car. You don't get to choose what is played on the radio, when to turn into the left hand lane or any other happening in the car. If the driver offends you, makes you nervous or disgusted, you might consider finding another ride.

Be respectful of others. If you are in a tight space, even briefcases can invade the space of another. You should ask to put any bags or brief cases in the trunk of the vehicle. If the driver asks you not to eat or drink in their car, then, you should comply with their request. Even if the driver has no problem with you eating or drinking in the car, you should take into consideration your fellow passengers. when eating in a car, it is best to eat food that will not leave a mess behind. If you do happen to soil a passenger's clothes or the car; offer to pay the cleaning. It is polite for you to offer a portion of your food to the others in the car. If you aren't able to do this, you might open with "I brought me a bit of breakfast. I am sorry that I don't have enough for everyone. Would it offend anyone if I ate it while we were driving?" Be respectful of your language and personal communication. No one needs to hear you fume about your personal life or your intimate conversations on the cell phone. Unless everyone in the car smokes, it is appropriate for you not to do so until you exit the vehicle. Many people don't like the smell of smoke in their hair and on their clothes. Since the car is an enclosed space, many people feel a concentration of smoke and it makes it much more difficult to breathe.

There are many "ride sharing" sites advertised on the super highway. Most of these sites try to pair up those who need rides with those who are going to a specific location. While most sites are specific to one city or state; there are a few sites that list commuters from all fifty states and even Canada.

VPSI is quite professional in linking up those who commute and/or need rides. They have been in business since the late 70's and even have a phone number where you can actually speak to a live person. The site is accessible and they have vans in many major cities. There are contracts for you to sign so that you can reassure your drivers that you are reliable. The ph is: 1800-8267433 (1800-van-ride). The link is:
http://www.vpsiinc.com/Home

Another helpful site is:
www.eridesharing.com

This site is quite comprehensive with extensive matching and up-to-date ride listings. This site can be used when you are looking to make a onetime trip. The trip can be an intrastate one.
The third site for carpoolers is:
www.carpoolworld.com

This site helps match carpoolers and has some functions to do some extensive searching.

Other sites to check out include:
www.rideshare-directory.com/
www.bestrideshare.com