Be a Driver in a Successful Rideshare Experience

Letting one passenger occupy one of your seats can cut your trip expense in half. Taking a few riders and/or cargo may pay for your trip entirely, while it also offers your passengers a more direct, and cheaper alternative to the bus, train, or plane.

In part 1 of this series, I mentioned that I have participated in over 100 rideshares, mostly as a driver, through Craigslist, but it is the same advice, whether or not you are using Craigslist or another rideshare site.

I have learned a few dos and don'ts for a successful rideshare experience.

1. Placing a Rideshare Ad as a Driver. It is usually the driver who places the ad, but it is important to look for rides listed by passengers looking for a ride as well. Here is some helpful advice when placing a rideshare ad as a driver.
   
   • Is your ride absolutely definite or are you just fishing around? It is important to let your potential passengers know your commitment level. They are counting on you instead of the guarantee of another mode of transportation. It is fine to test the waters with an ad, as long as you explain that.
   
   
   • Be specific, but not judgmental, sexist, etc. It is better to say that you would rather not have any smoking in your car than to say that you would not want a smoker in your car. It is not sexist for a woman to state that she is more comfortable riding with another woman, but it is sexist to say, "no men allowed" or even "no men please". You can hone in on a preferable and comfortable situation without sounding like a creep.
   
   
   • Promise safety and reliability, but only because it is true. If you are not insured, are able to drive legally, or don't have a street legal car, be a passenger instead of a driver. It is not worth risking your own life, not to mention a stranger's. It helps to be a member of an auto-rescue program such as the Better World Club and to mention that in your ad. If you have a ten year, ticket-free driving record, mention that, too.
   
   
   • Suggest an exact price for a seat in your vehicle that is enough to make it worth your while, but is less than the bus or the train. An online mapping service, a calculator, and a general idea of current gas prices is all you need to determine a fair price. I find that suggesting an amount makes the experience easier and less awkward. It also gives peace of mind to the passenger and helps them decide if the ride fits their budget. I also suggest that you price the ride as if your vehicle is efficient on gas (if it is not). If you drive a big truck, it is not fair to charge your passenger for the potential cargo hauling possibilities if all they are occupying is a seat and spot for their backpack. If you have no success, drop the price, or offer a seat for a donation if you are mostly interested in lessening your footprint.
   
   
   • Provide an online profile. There are rideshare sites which include a profile, but they don't have the usership that craigslist has. The downside of the craigslist rideshare section is that they don't require a profile or rating system, but that doesn't mean that you can't go above and beyond and submit your own or provide a link to your profile elsewhere on the internet.
   
   
   • It is fine to charge extra for door to door service if your passenger can't organize their own way to/from your point of origin/destination. Sometimes maneuvering though a large city can take more time and effort than the ride itself. Picking up a passenger or dropping them off somewhere central should give them access to mass transit from there.


2. During the Trip
   
   • Act as if your passenger is a guest in your house. You should also feel comfortable to keep basic 'house rules' about smoking, etc.
   
   
   • Check in fairly frequently with your passenger about pulling over to use the restroom, etc. Some passengers are shy about that sort of thing.
   
   
   • Drive as if you are taking a driving test. Your passenger won't be splitting a ticket with you.
   
   
   • If you are a master in the art of talking on a cell phone while driving, do it when you don't have a paying customer. Rather, pull over to use your phone or ask the passenger if they mind driving while you make a phone call. Same goes for eating while driving, etc.
   
   
   • If you didn't mention beforehand that you smoke in your car, it is best not to assume that your passenger is fine with second hand smoke.
   
   
   • If your passenger is legally allowed to drive, ask them if they want to switch off driving, but only if your insurance covers other drivers in your vehicle. Better to have them drive on the open road than have them maneuver through city streets that they might not be familiar with. It is good to preface the switch by mentioning that you just need a short break. That way, if you don't dig their driving, you can switch back without seeming judgmental of their driving skills.

We welcome you to chime in with your own advice or stories from the road.

Read more about rideshares:
Get Started with Ridesharing and Save Money and Gas
Be A Passenger in a Successful Rideshare Experience
Carpool Across the Country
How To Go Green: Commuting

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