Register at: www.ShareTheRide.com to find a match.

• DECIDE WHOM TO CALL or e-mail on your match list. ShareTheRide.com allows you to send a pre-written e-mail with your contact information to potential carpool matches.

• ARRANGE an informal meeting near home or work OR call on the phone and go over the following points:

1. DECIDE on a schedule and who is going to drive and who will ride.
2. SET UP a convenient pick-up and drop-off point.
3. DETERMINE waiting time, radio stations and reimbursement for commuting costs (If each person in the carpool takes a turn at driving, then there's no need to charge. If only one person drives, however, you'll want to charge each rider a reasonable fare.) For average gasoline costs, visit: http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/AZmetro.asp
4. TRADE phone numbers with everyone in the group and keep a copy at home and work.
5. SHARE insurance information to make sure drivers have adequate coverage and carpoolers may be eligible for insurance discounts.
6. TRIAL RUN - Set up your carpool on a trial basis and see how it goes, so you can change your mind if it’s not working.

Hit The Road!

Once your carpool is formed, remember the following guidelines to keep things running smoothly

1. AGREE on an alternative plan in case the driver is not available.
2. GAS UP your vehicle ahead of time for the round trip.
3. RESIST MAKING DETOURS for personal errands, such as stopping at the store on the way home.
4. SMOKING, EATING & TALKING. These are sensitive issues. Establish smoking and eating policies at the beginning. You may even want to talk about talking-or NOT talking in the car. Some people enjoy it; others don't -- especially in traffic.

No Carpool Matches on Your List?

There are other easy ways to find carpool or vanpool partners, too.

• You can contact co-workers and neighbors you know live near you.
• Talk to your employer’s Transportation Coordinator (TC) or Human Resource Department at work.
• Post a sign on bulletin boards at work.
• Check back to ShareTheRide.com since new users register each day and you may have a match “down the road!”