carpoolPlenty 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. You can even find a Park and Ride site near you!
Just fill out our Carpool Rideshare Application! |
getting startedTo get your carpool started, check off the following items:
Call Missoula Ravalli TMA at 406-327-8515. We offer free matching services and may be able to find you riders. |
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, and “wear and tear items”. We suggest that you figure the total commute expenses at $.54 per mile (2008 AAA estimate for a midsize car) and then share that cost among all participants in your carpool, including yourself
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, and “wear and tear items”. We suggest that you figure the total commute expenses at $.54 per mile (2008 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.
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.