Commuter Tips

Carpoolers

iCarpool tips

If you form a carpool, you will eventually need to share some of your contact information with another person. Initially your matches will see only your "screen name", your age range, your sex if you specified it, and trip description. If you send one or more of your matches a request to set up a carpool, they will then receive some of your contact information. There are a few precautions you can take to protect your privacy in the initial steps of finding a ridesharing partner.

• Don’t use your full name, or your email address, as your "screen name" when you register.
• Instead of using your home address for your trip origin, choose a nearby intersection or other meeting location as your trip origin. The interactive map makes choosing locations easy.

When you are ready to meet your ridesharing partner, consider talking on the phone or meeting at a public, well-observed location to get to know each other better before beginning to carpool.

10 Tips For Successful Carpooling

1. Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate a place(s) to meet for the trip home.
2. Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
3. Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. If all members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.
4. Be punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a rider is running a few minutes late.
5. Establish policies. Smoking or nonsmoking; music and volume; food and drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially.
6. If carpooling to and from work, determiner whether or not short errands will be allowed.
7. Establish a chain of communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a member is ill or will not be working, the driver must be contacted as soon as possible.
8. Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean and safe. There are others involved. There should be no excuse for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless maneuvers.
9. Respect your fellow carpooler's wishes, especially in the morning when some people like a time of quiet.
10. If you lose a member of your carpool, use the iCarpool system to help you find another member or call Votran Commuter Program at 386-756-7496 x 4149.

Together we can save money, time, and the environment while reducing traffic congestion.

Participation in Votran Commuter Programs, such as by carpooling, riding the bus, biking or walking to or from work, and use of the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program is an individual decision. Participants are completely responsible for the operation of carpools and participation in any Votran Commuter program. VOTRAN, THE VOLUSIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT, AND EMPLOYERS ACTING AS ITS PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS, EXPENSES OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY INDIVIDUAL'S PARTICIPATION IN A CARPOOL OR ERH PROGRAM OR FROM ANY INDIVIDUAL’S DECISION TO RIDE THE BUS, BICYCLE OR WALK.