FAQs • Pierce Trips, WA • CivicEngage

How long should a trial period be?: Carpoolers should try a four-week period. This will give them a chance to knock out the kinks and test the waters.

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Carpooling

1. How do I find a carpool partner?: Contact your co-workers. Talk to neighbors. Post a flyer at your cubicle or work bulletin board. Or complete a ridematch request application on RideshareOnline.com. It’s a free and confidential service that will help you find people in your area who want to share the ride.
RideShareOnline.com

2. Should I carpool with someone I don't know?: Everyone's comfort level is different. Try meeting at a local coffee shop with potential carpoolers to get acquainted prior to riding together.

3. Should our carpool set rules?: Your carpool will operate smoothly if you establish a few rules in advance. For example, decide on policies about smoking, the radio, wait times and driving rotation. Agree on vacation plans and notification about absences. A few minutes now will save time and headaches later.

4. Should I charge the other riders?: You and your carpool partners should discuss how to fairly distribute the costs of your commute. You can do this by taking turns as the carpool driver, or by having the driver charge each rider a fare that you all agree on. Remember that there are more expenses than just gasoline. Each rider should be expected to pay for a share of the gasoline, parking, oil, service, and wear and tear. For help refer to following guide from AAA.
AAA Driving Costs Guide

5. Do I need car insurance?: Yes, it’s the law. You need insurance for your car and for your passengers. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Carpool riders may want to see if they qualify for a discount because they are not driving to work each day.

6. How do carpoolers decide who drives?: Some people only want to ride and are willing to reimburse part of the costs, while others prefer to share the driving. If driving is shared, no money needs to exchange hands.

7. What if one partner wants the other to go out of their way to pick up another rider?: It is up to the "poolers" to decide what their pickup points will be. Remember, they should be convenient to all pooling members.

8. What if one carpooler makes the others late for work?: Carpoolers should pick a leave time and stick to it. If problems continue, then partners should discuss ways to reach a resolution. Also, carpoolers should let their supervisors know of their carpool arrangements.

9. How long should a trial period be?: Carpoolers should try a four-week period. This will give them a chance to knock out the kinks and test the waters.

10. What if one person decides they do not want to carpool with the other person?: Hopefully, the carpoolers established a trial period. This way, if one or both do not like the situation it’s easier to leave it.

11. An employee only lives two miles away from work. Can they still carpool?: Yes! A carpool trip counts regardless of the trip length.

12. What if I need to get home in the case of an emergency?: If your employer partners with Pierce Transit and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free taxi, Lyft or Uber ride home in case of an emergency. Contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator or visit the following page for more information. Rides are capped at $100 per trip and six trips per year.
Emergency Ride Home Service