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How it Works
Plenty of people are willing to share your ride and the costs. Put extra money in your pocket by adding these riders to your commute.
Carpooling is convenient, cost effective, and easy. You make the carpool suit your needs – whether it’s comfort, reduced travel time, or money savings. Structure the carpool based on your personal needs.
Recruiting
Call Missoula Ravalli TMA. We offer free matching services and may be able to find you riders.
Getting Started
To get your carpool started, check off the following items:
• Recruit rider(s)
• Determine pick-up and drop-off points
• Establish your daily route
• Set up the rules for your carpool.
• Agree on driver rotation or on a back-up driver and procedure.
• Agree on fares, gas contributions, if needed.
• Start operation!
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Get
Matched TODAY!
Fares
What should you charge? If each person in the carpool takes a turn driving, don’t charge anything. If only one person drives, charge each rider a reasonable fare. Only you can determine what constitutes a reasonable fare. But, remember that there are more expenses than just gasoline. Each rider should be expected to pay for a share of the gasoline, oil, service, insurance, as well as, “wear and tear items”. We suggest that you figure the total commute expenses at $. 51 per mile (2002 AAA estimate for a midsize car) and then share that cost among all participants in your carpool, including yourself.
Insurance
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.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and cleaning ensure that your car is in top shape. Routine servicing prevents breakdowns. We suggest oil changes and servicing at least every 4,000 miles. It will save on repair bills.
Rules
Your carpool will operate smoothly if a few rules are established in advance. For example, decide on policies about smoking, the radio, waiting times, and driving rotation. Agree on vacation plans and illness notification. A few minutes now will save time and headaches later.
Records
You may want to keep specific records. A list, which includes each carpool participant’s name, address, home phone, and work phone, comes in handy in case of emergencies. A record of mileage, gasoline purchases and fares eliminate conflicts at a later date.
Sample Carpool Rules
Each rider and driver is expected to abide by the rules of this carpool.
1. The fare per rider is $______ per month and shall be paid before the first day of the month.
2. Seating will be first come, first served.
3. Pick-up points and times are:__________
4. Drop-off points and times are:_________
5. Maximum waiting times at each pick-up point is _______ minutes
6. Smoking in the carpool is not allowed.
7. The radio will be set on _____FM in the morning and on ______FM in the afternoon.
8. Rules may be changed by a majority vote.
Sample Rider Agreement
The undersigned parties agree to operation of this carpool as set out below.
The DRIVER agrees to:
1. Provide a clean car in safe operating condition for daily commuting by the riders.
2. Drive the car daily to/from work according to the established route and schedule.
3. Provide a backup procedure in case of car breakdown or driver absence.
4. Collect fares and issue receipts on or before the first day of each month
5. Provide complete insurance coverage for the operation of the carpool.
The RIDER agrees to:
1. Pay a full fare on or before the first day of each month.
2. Abide by all rules established for the carpool.
3. Notify the driver in advance of all anticipated absences.
4. Provide his/her own alternate transportation when the carpool is unavailable.
Driver______________________
Rider_______________________
Date_______________________
VANPOOL:
What is a Vanpool?
A vanpool is a prearranged group of five to fifteen people who share their commute to and from work or school. The group enjoys low fares and a comfortable commute in a 15-passenger vanpool vehicle. Each vanpool vehicle is equipped with individual reclining seats, lighting and heating/cooling units.
Is Vanpooling for Me?
If you answer “yes: to any of these questions, then vanpooling may be the commute option for you!
• Do you travel over 15 miles to work each day?
• Are you tired of fighting highway traffic?
• Is your commute taking longer and longer?
• Do you know a few other people who live and work near you and complain about commuting?
• Do you like to save money?
• Does your employer have a Commute Trip Reduction program?
How Does it Work?
To qualify as a volunteer vanpool driver, you’ll need to complete an application and authorize MRTMA to access your Motor Vehicle Report. You’ll also need to meet these few requirements:
• Have a Montana State Driver’s license
• Be 25+ years of age, with 5+ years of driving experience.
• Perform the driving functions and complete the necessary paperwork.
• Have a clean driving record.
• No license revoked or suspended.
• No reckless driving, hit-and-run, DUI, DWI, or a felony in the last 10 years.
Driver Essential Functions
A potential volunteer vanpool driver must be able to perform the essential driving functions listed below:
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Complete a short training program
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Safely operate up to a 15-passenger vanpool vehicle
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Understand and apply Montana State traffic regulations and Agency procedures
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Fuel vehicle or obtain assistance from others
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Maintain cleanliness of the interior and exterior of the vehicle
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Perform vehicle inspections
Final approval for a volunteer to drive a vanpool vehicle rests with Missoula Ravalli TMA.
Once you decide that you’re ready to start driving you’ll be taken through a short training program. Then you’ll start receiving the driver benefits – drive two or more days per week you ride for FREE that week.
Not ready to be a driver? Be a rider!
Benefits for You
Some employers provide financial incentives ranging from a few dollars to a full fare subsidy. Some also provide preferential parking for vanpools. Check with yours to see what benefits are offered.
In addition, you’ll enjoy:
• Saving money
• Reduced wear and tear on your car
• Reduced commuting stress
• Preferential parking at your worksite
• Meeting new people
Benefits to Your Community
Did you know that by vanpooling, you’re also helping your community?
You’ll help by:
• Reducing air pollution
• Alleviating traffic congestion
• Making Western Montana a better place to live and work.
Start Today!
So, what are you waiting for? Over 90 people participate in vanpools serving the Why 93 corridor. A safe, comfortable, stress-free, money-saving commute could be yours too!
COMMUNITY NEEDS VAN SERVICE:
Specialized Transportation Coordination (STC) increases the availability of cost-effective transportation for adults with disabilities and seniors by coordinating multiple providers to meet a growing demand. MRTMA is working to enhance existing specialized transportation through its Community Needs Van Service (CNVS). Organized through a partnership with the Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee. MRTMA is providing rides to Missoula’s seniors and adults with disabilities to shopping, medical appointments and recreational activities.
Van Service Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Room for 12 passengers
Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible –
Room for 2 wheelchairs and
8 ambulatory passengers
Call 542-2121 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to schedule your ride or group trip.
$10 – Ten ride punch cards are available from our drivers or through the mail.
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Join
a carpool or vanpool
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Clinton to Missoula
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Clinton to Smurfit Stone
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Missoula to Clinton
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Seeley Lake to Missoula
Ask
us about an Employer Sponsored Vanpool - GREAT for shift
workers!
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