Below are some subjects to consider and discuss as a group when considering forming a carpool or vanpool. Agreement on certain topics can help you get started quickly and easily as well as avoid conflict and make your carpool experience a positive one for all involved.

FAQ for our Ridesharing Community Section

1. Where do I begin when starting to use this website?
   As soon as you register with the Hinesburg Rides, you'll have instant access to the system for searching for a list of people who live and work near you with similar schedules. Contact them! Who knows whom you’ll meet – a new friend, future business partner, or a next-door neighbor. Why not share the ride? The first thing to do is consider what you want as a driver or rider. Follow the information below on calculating shared costs, how to meet others in your group, and how to take advantage of the Guaranteed Ride Home and the other resources Hinesburg Rides has to offer.

2. View our Help Pages to get started using the profile and system.

3. How to figure out the distance of a trip.
   Go to our map page and click on Get Directions below the Google logo to get exact mileage.

4. Sign-up with GoVermont to be enrolled in the Guaranteed Ride Home program.

Get to know your fellow carpoolers. 

• Meet prospective carpool partners for a cup of coffee or at a public place before driving together.
• Decide if a trial period is necessary to test compatibility between passengers
• If at any time you are not comfortable in your carpool, you are not obligated to continue

• How often will you carpool/vanpool?
• How many passengers will there be.
• Who has a vehicle? If all passengers have a car, who will do the driving? Will it rotate? Some people like to establish primary and alternate drivers.
• Determine your route and schedule. Work schedules are often more flexible than you think.
• Do all the drivers have full insurance coverage?
• Where will you meet? Carpoolers can pick each other up at home, or meet at a mutually-convenient location, such as a Park & Ride lot.
• Plan for emergencies, illness and vacations.

• How do we figure the cost of the trip or carpool group?
  One of our most frequently-asked questions about carpooling is how much should passengers pay. If commuters rotate the driving equally, money doesn't have to change hands, but if only one person drives, passengers generally chip in to cover the costs of gas and parking. The average cost of operating a car is $0.50 per mile, which is a fixed cost to the owner of a car whenever you drive anywhere. We recommend that drivers charge for a percentage of operating cost, such as $0.10 per mile, and then split the gas costs. As an example, If 2 people shared a 20 mile trip and your car gets 20 mpg at $2.70/gallon, then the cost for the rider would be $2.35 (includes $0.10 per mile). Additional costs such as tolls or parking, will need to be considered. Each carpooling group should talk about cost and clarify all the details, see below for more tips.
• Establish a driver/vehicle schedule and rideshare payment if necessary (to cover gasoline and maintenance costs).
  • Drivers: Use our Commute Calculator >>
  • Drivers & Riders: Try our carpooling cost sharing calculator >>
• Designate the location of your pick-up and drop-off points.
• Agree, as a group, on how long past pick-up time the carpool will wait for a rider.
• Establish a contact list complete with home, work and cell numbers (include acceptable calling times in case of weather, change of plans, or emergency. If part of a larger group, this may include creating a “phone tree”.
• Agree on eating/drinking/smoking/cell phone policies (if you are in a vanpool, see VPSI, Inc. for guidelines).
• Be punctual. Decide as a group if the radio will be played and on what station.
• Agree on a personal errands policy if need be
• Give it a trial run. Many commuters start carpooling on a trial basis, say for a month or two. Once you try it, you'll see how much you like it! Ridesharing is flexible. Once a week or every day.
• Give your car pool some time to work. It usually takes a few weeks to arrange everyone's routine into a harmonious pattern. Most car poolers discover they really enjoy the company of their fellow car poolers and find it a benefit they had not anticipated.

• Drive with a “soft foot”, accelerating/decelerating smoothly
• Slow down – vehicles are most efficient at 50-55 mph.
• Maintain proper tire inflation and change air filter regularly
• Remove an unnecessary weight for your vehicle
• Use air conditioner sparingly
• Remove snow and ice fro your vehicle
• Avoid unnecessary idling
• Download, Print or Read "21ways to reduce fuel consumption" (PDF) >>