Use CommuteSmart.info's on-line carpool-matching service 
for an instant list of potential carpool partners from Southern California’s largest commuter database—people who live and work near you and have a similar schedule. It’s free and only takes a few minutes to register.
Carpooling is the Southland’s #1 alternative to driving alone—and the easiest, most flexible way to cut the high cost of commuting. Discover just how much money you can save with CommuteSmart.info's Commute Calculator.
And carpoolers not only bypass the gas pump—they also cruise past traffic in time-saving carpool lanes where on average commuters save 36 minutes a day.
What is carpooling?
It’s two or more people sharing the ride, usually taking turns driving their own vehicles.
How do I find someone to carpool with?
You may want to put out the word to co-workers, neighbors and friends to see if anyone you know would like to share the ride. CommuteSmart.info also offers a free on-line carpool matching service, which gives you a list of people based on where you live, work and your work schedule who you can contact to set up a carpool.
A co-worker and I have agreed to carpool. Now what do we do?
Before starting on any carpooling arrangement, it’s a good idea to meet over coffee or lunch to iron out details. Some of the ground you should cover:
- Who drives, and when
- How often you’ll carpool
- Arrangements for pick-ups and drop-offs
- Duties of the driver, such as filling up the gas tank before picking up riders
- Whether smoking is allowed
- Any other questions or concerns you may have
- Consider establishing a trial period of a week or two to give it a try and determine if you’re suited to carpool together, if adjustments need to be made, or if you need to find a different carpool partner.
My commute already takes long enough—won’t carpooling just make it longer?
Quite the opposite; teaming up with someone else gives you access to time-saving carpool lanes. On average, Southland commuters using carpool lanes shave 36 minutes a day from the drive...a full third of their total commute time. That more than makes up for the few minutes it might take to meet with your fellow passengers. The farther your commute, the more time you’ll save.
What if I can’t carpool every day?
Some people like the regularity and cost-savings of carpooling on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to go. You can set up a carpool to operate any way that works for you and your carpool partner(s). Perhaps you’ll carpool Monday through Thursday and leave Fridays open. Even setting up a once-or-twice-a-week carpool is better than driving solo all the time.
How many people should be in the carpool?
The more people in your carpool, the less you’ll pay for gas and the less often you’ll have to drive. It also means a bit more coordination making sure everyone arrives and is ready to go. People with consistent schedules do very well with three- or four-person pools. If you need more flexibility, a carpool with one other person may be more your speed.
I don’t have a car—can I still carpool?
While the typical carpool involves people with their own vehicles taking turns driving, you may be able to set up an arrangement in which someone else does all the driving while you pitch in for gas and other expenses.
Why would anyone carpool?
Saving money on gas...reducing auto wear and tear...access to carpool lanes...qualifying for perks at work like preferential parking and rideshare bonuses...less driving stress...more time to get things done...Maybe the question is why would anyone drive alone?
All information on this page was acquired from CommuteSmart.info. Visit CommuteSmart.info for more information on Carpooling.