TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL RIDESHARING

If the Greater Mercer TMA Ridefinders find you a match, we will send you the names of other commuters whose needs and interest in ridesharing match yours. Here are some tips to help get you on the road to succesful ridesharing:

• Call the people on your list and arrange an initial meeting. Meet during lunch, or get together for a cup of coffee near your homes.

• Consider starting out on a trial basis for a month or two. Carpool one or two days a week, or every day. Agree to reconsider your arrangements if they do not seem to be working.

• Decide on schedules and pick-up points.

• Agree on waiting times and side trips.

• Divide the driving responsibilities any way you want.

• Agree on rules for the radio, smoking, open windows, car temperature, eating policies and all the other potential annoyances that can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and an unpleasant one.

• Decide on payment schedules, if needed. Non-drivers in the pool should contribute to expenses. If everyone shares driving equally, there may not be a need to exchange any money.

• Compile a phone list for all pool members and agree on notification procedures in the event of illness, mechanical trouble, weather conditions, or schedule changes that may interfere with your pool routine.

• Keep your car in good condition. A dirty or unreliable car can spoil your carpool. Check with your insurance agent on possible discounts for carpooling or vanpooling.

• Stay in touch with the TMA! Contact us at (609) 452-8988 or (800) 245-POOL, or fill out our Online Form. We can help you find replacements if members of your pool drop out, or put you in touch with new ridesharers if your living or work arrangements change.

• Last, but most importantly, keep YOUR record current in the Rideshare Database by informing us of any changes -- work times, address, work phone number, etc. This ensures the integrity of the Database.