good vanpooling tips

Sign up for Guaranteed Ride Home. All MRTMA vanpoolers are eligible for this benefit. If you vanpooled to work and something unexpected comes up that prevents you from being able to vanpool home, MRTMA will pay for your taxi ride home, up to 4 times per year.

Take care of the van. Passengers should dispose of newspapers, coffee cups and anything else they brought. Drivers are responsible for cleaning the van. However, several vanpoolers share the duties.

Establish some rules. Each vanpool member should have a chance to express his/her needs and concerns. Vanpoolers should agree upon certain ground rules at the outset such as:
  • Food, coffee and perfume/cologne usage.
  • Radio choices.
  • How long drivers will wait for tardy passengers.
  • Who is notified if someone is sick or unable to vanpool on a given trip? How are they contacted?
  • Driving safely.
  • Encourage everyone to use seatbelts for their safety and the safety of others.
  • While you should not be a “backseat driver,” you should immediately address any concerns about a driver’s driving practices with the MRTMA office.

Follow good vanpool etiquette. Every vanpool is unique, but good etiquette is essential to keep it running smoothly. Good etiquette takes into account communication, courtesy, and the safety of everyone in the vanpool.

do

  1. Communicate with your fellow vanpoolers. If you’re running a few minutes late, call them and let them know, but don’t let it become a habit. If you can’t vanpool on a particular day due to a schedule conflict, give your vanpool partners ample notice so they can make other arrangements.
  2. Drive safely at all times.
  3. Keep your vehicle clean and in good condition.​
  4. Respect any rules the vanpool has agreed, such as restrictions on eating, or drinking.

don't

  1. Make a habit of being late.
  2. Ask your vanpoolers to make extra stops along the way so you can take care of personal errands.
  3. Bring up controversial topics such as religion or politics unless you know your vanpoolers very well. While some people may enjoy discussing or even debating the issues, others may prefer a quieter commute.
  4. Have lengthy cell phone conversations while you’re in the vanpool.
  5.  Show up intoxicated or consume alcohol on the van.