Q & AQ & AQ & AQ & A

Why?Why?Why?Why?

It is estimated that there are approximately 16 million cars on the road in Canada. Almost 80

percent of these are occupied only by their driver.

Benefits?Benefits?Benefits?Benefits?

• It’s simple...

• Save the Environment: Fewer trips = fewer emissions.

• Save Time: Fewer cars = less congestion and increased mobility

• Save Money: Offset a portion of your commuting costs (fuel, parking, maintenance)

• Carpool.ca was created to help commuters identify potential carpool partners

• The system is free, secure and easy to use

• Get started in a few simple steps...

How do I get started?How do I get started?How do I get started?How do I get started?

Create a ProfileCreate a ProfileCreate a ProfileCreate a Profile

• Create a Commuter Profile by providing the Carpool.ca system with information about your commuting habits and preferences.

• This information is used to screen matches.

Define Match Define Match PreferencesPreferences

Define Match Define Match PreferencesPreferences

• Try to be as flexible as possible. You can visually screen your list of matches later.

• You can go back to re-define your preferences at any time.

• We need to know what you are looking for in a carpool partner.

Define Your TripDefine Your TripDefine Your TripDefine Your Trip

This confidential information helps us find the best possible matches for you.

We need to know where you live, where you work and the route you take each day.

Match Report 1Match Report 1Match Report 1Match Report 1

• Request a Match Report - the system will provide two reports based on the criteria you provide.

• The first report shows ‘Origin/Destination Only’ matches. These defined by your home and work locations.

• Scan the map and list for additional information about matches.

Match Report 2Match Report 2Match Report 2Match Report 2

• This second report shows additional ‘Route Matches Only’ as defined in the Trip section of your profile.

• Scan this report for additional user information to determine compatibility.

Contact MatchesContact MatchesContact MatchesContact Matches• Contact matches after

scanning both match reports for additional user information.

• If a match is considered compatible, click on the ‘Send a Message’ link

• Compose your message, agree to share contact information, and send your message.

Finally…Finally…Finally…Finally…• Discuss personal compatibility, compare needs and

availability.

• Get together in a neutral location as a group to discuss:

• Who drives? Is driving shared or is there one driver and vehicle?

• Costs? Establish a fare schedule and stick to it.

• Where/When to Meet? Discuss where you will meet, what time and how long you will wait for someone. Be on time.

• Extra Stops - Save them for your solo trips. Everyone wants to get to work on time and home on time. Eliminate extra trips from your carpool route.

• The Back Up Plan.... For those rare occasions when the car won’t start, make sure you have a current list of home, work and cell phone numbers.

Carpool = FlexibilityCarpool = FlexibilityCarpool = FlexibilityCarpool = Flexibility• There is a common misconception that

carpooling lacks flexibility. Not true!

• You can carpool to work with one group and home with another. Or take the bus in the morning and carpool in the evening.

• You can carpool once a month, once a week or everyday. You chose what’s right for you.

• You don’t need to give up your car completely. Once you get into a routine, you have the option of increasing your carpool trips!

What If I Don’t Have What If I Don’t Have Any Matches?Any Matches?

What If I Don’t Have What If I Don’t Have Any Matches?Any Matches?

• If this is the case, remember that you can check the system on a regular basis and that you’ll be notified of new matches. Keep your file up to date. If you move or change jobs, make sure these changes are reflected in your file.

• As the database grows, so does the potential for matching. Help promote carpooling. Tell neighbours and co-workers about Carpool.ca. Contact our office to ask for free promotional materials. We would be happy to send you brochures to distribute at work or a bumper sticker for your car.

Keep it working...Keep it working...Keep it working...Keep it working...• The key to long term

success in any relationship includes communication, honesty, understanding, respect and flexibility.

• Applying these skills to your carpool can result in long term savings - and unexpected friendships!

Other Questions?Other Questions?Other Questions?Other Questions?

• No. Carpool.ca, its partners and sponsors, do not screen participants. We do not run background checks on participants, check for valid drivers’ licenses, or assess insurance coverage. We highly recommend getting to know your carpool partners before you begin carpooling.

• As with all programs that involve the internet it is highly recommended that prior to establishing a carpool partnership, at least one face-to-face meeting should be planned and proper screening of potential drivers should take place.

• The Carpool.ca system is provided solely to assist commuters in identifying potential carpool partners. We do not share information or mailing lists.

• We do, however, communicate with participants regularly (~6 times/year) to remind them to check back for new matches and advise them of upcoming promotions.

• Program statistics are shared regularly with funding bodies (ie, regional governments and/or employers).

Are Participants Screened? Do We Share Information?

Did we miss something?Did we miss something?• Thank You for taking the time to view this

presentation!

• If you still have unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us at information@carpool.ca.

• We look forward to getting you into a carpool!