Community Car Pool

Code of Conduct

All participants using community carpool website have the responsibility to ensure that the ride goes as smoothly as possible.

For drivers:

Provide true and accurate information about yourself
Inform the passenger if you are cancelling the ride, ideally with 24 hour notice
Know and abide by your passengers’ preferences
Designate a clear meeting place
Make sure the passengers are dropped off at the location they agreed on and are safe
Abide by the Highway Traffic Act and all laws governing carpools
Maintain your vehicle in good working condition
Notify your insurance provider of your intent to carry non-family passengers and ensure you have adequate coverage to protect both yourself and your passengers.
Make inquiries of your passengers to address any legal or safety issues to your satisfaction.
Be respectful of others and report any harmful or disrespectful behaviour
Do not post rides for anyone else other than yourself
Do not use data obtained through Community Carpooling program for any purpose other than the program itself.
All participants share responsibility to ensure that the ride goes as smoothly as possible

For passengers:

Provide true and accurate information about yourself
Know and abide by your driver’s preferences
Inform the driver if you are cancelling the ride, ideally with 24 hour notice
Check the name of the driver and the information about the car (model/colour)
Abide by the Highway Traffic Act and all laws governing carpools
Be respectful of others and report any harmful or disrespectful behaviour
Make inquires of your driver to address any legal, safety, or insurance issues to your satisfaction.
Do not book rides for anyone else other than yourself, unless the other person(s) travel(s) with you in the same car for the same ride.
Do not use data obtained through Community Carpooling program for any purpose other than the program itself.
All participants share responsibility to ensure that the ride goes as smoothly as possible

Waiver of Liability and Release Agreement

GENERAL INDEMNITY:

Users of the Community Carpooling program, including drivers and passengers, are advised that the use of this program is voluntary and entirely at the discretion of the users. By participating in the program, users are agreeing that they are entirely responsible for their own safety while using the program. Rural Frontenac Community Services (“RFCS”) takes no responsibility for any personal injuries, deaths, property damages, financial losses or other damages or losses, however caused (including by negligence of RFCS) that may result from the use of the Community Carpooling program.

It is possible that errors and omissions will occur in data input or programming done by RFCS. Errors and omissions may also occur in the record keeping process. Notwithstanding, all users of the Community Carpooling program agree to take the data “as is”, fully expecting that there may be errors and omissions associated with it. RFCS make absolutely no warranty whatsoever, whether expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, thoroughness, value, quality, validity, suitability, condition or fitness for a particular purpose of the data or any programming used to obtain the data, nor as to whether the data is error-free, up-to-date, complete or based upon accurate or meaningful facts.

By participating in the Community Carpooling program, users of the Community Carpooling program agree to waive any and all claims they have or may have in the future against RFCS, its present and former directors, officers, representatives, affiliates, related entities, employees and agents, including any predecessors, successors and assigns (“the Releasees”), and to release them from any and all liability for loss, damage, expense or injury including death that the user, the user’s next of kin or a third party may suffer as a result of the user’s participation in or involvement in the Community Carpooling program, however caused (including by negligence of RFCS).

Users also agree to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless from any and all liability for personal injury, death, property damages and any other loss, and resulting claims or actions, arising from the user’s participation in or involvement in the Community Carpooling Program, however caused (including by negligence of the Releasees).

RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSURANCE:

It is the responsibility of individuals participating in the Community Carpooling program to notify their insurance provider of their intent to carry non-family passengers and to ensure that they have adequate coverage to protect both themselves and their passengers. It is the responsibility of the individual accepting a ride in the Community Carpooling program to ensure that the driver of the vehicle has an acceptable driving record, is licensed accordingly and has adequate insurance to protect both driver and passengers.

RFCS is in no way responsible for verifying or certifying the reliability, driving ability or insurance status of drivers and participants using the system.

RFCS DOES NOT SCREEN PROGRAM DRIVERS/PASSENGERS:

No background checks of drivers or passengers, driver record checks or insurance checks are undertaken by RFCS for the Community Carpooling program. In addition, RFCS does not make any assurances or certifications regarding the condition, suitability or safety of the vehicles being used by participants in the Community Carpooling program, the reliability or driving ability of participants or drivers, or whether those participants and drivers are insured. It is the responsibility of all participants in the Community Carpooling program (drivers and passengers) to contact, interview, research, select, and make arraignments with persons using the program to address any issues (including legal, safety, insurance) to their satisfaction. RFCS recommends that participants exercise caution when selecting a potential carpool partner.

FAMILIARITY WITH LAWS GOVERNING CARPOOLS:

Users of the Community Carpooling program acknowledge that specific federal and provincial statutes (such as the Highway Traffic Act, the Public Vehicles Act, and the Insurance Act) contain legal obligations for carpooling and agree that it is their responsibility to acquaint themselves with the legal requirements of carpooling.

I understand that by signing this Waiver of Liability and Release Agreement, I am waiving my right to any and all claims against the Releasees as referred to above arising out of my involvement in the Community Carpooling program as a User (driver or passenger).

In entering into this Waiver of Liability Release Agreement, I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements with respect to Community Carpooling program, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I have read the entire Waiver of Liability and Release Agreement above, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

Community Carpooling can provide a transportation option for those without a personal vehicle, however, you must exercise caution before accepting a ride from or offering a ride to someone you don’t know.

When posting a ride give as much detailed information as possible in the “Additional Info” box, for example, travel days, departure times, arrival times, stops along the way, number of passengers, child car seat requirements, allergies (dogs) etc., to help others know if the ride is a good fit.

The following are tips to help you plan a trip that is safe, respectful and pleasant. Community Carpooling does not perform background checks or screen ride postings in any way.

We do have a comment tab/section where you can let us know about your ride. If you did not feel safe or had concerns about the ride, you can let us know. The information you share will not be public. Your identity will not be given.

SAFETY

It’s up to you, as driver or passenger, to ask the questions you need to feel comfortable with your driver/rider. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

First Contact
When you get the first message from the website that there is a driver or a ride for your post you need to be mindful about what information you share about yourself in that first email or call. The person will only know what you share. Please consider:

What information do you need before sharing a ride?
What information about yourself do you want to share before going in a car with them?

Ask Questions
Think about the things that would make you feel safe with your ride. For example:

How is this person (driver or passenger) connected to the community?
Who do you both know?
What’s the condition of the car (age, tires, etc.)?
What are the history and habits of the driver (observing speed limits, sufficient insurance coverage, etc.)?

When you make arrangements to meet for the ride for the first time
Let a friend, family member, neighbour or coworker know that you are driving/riding with someone you don’t know. Try to meet your driver/passenger in a public place, in a rural community you may need to be creative.

Children
If you are posting a ride for a child the driver will need to have a car seat installed in their car. Parents are expected to provide their own car seat that meets the safety requirements for their child. For more information see: https://seatsforkids.ca

Alcohol and drugs
Both drivers and passengers are expected to show up sober and stay that way until they reach their destinations. Do not carpool with anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and report it under the comments section on this website.

Trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right
Don’t hesitate to close communication or politely back out if anything about the arrangement doesn’t feel right. No one but you is in charge of your safety and comfort. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement between drivers and passengers, and each has equal responsibility for making a good arrangement.

Be wary of people who you think:

Ask strange or inappropriate questions.
Give unclear answers or refuse to answer your questions.
Lack consistency in their details online, over the phone, or in person.
Ask for unexpected services beyond the pre-agreed arrangement

Protect Your Personal Information
We encourage the use of email correspondence. Do not provide your phone number (not required to post a ride to the site) and home address until you feel comfortable with your travel partner and the arrangements that you’ve made via email. If you don’t have access to email/internet/computer, Frontenac Transportation Services can help by being your connection to the website. Call 613-279-3151 ext 301.

Tell someone
Tell a trusted friend, family member, neighbour or coworker about your trip plans. If possible, carry a fully charged cell phone with emergency contact numbers.

Valuables
Don’t carry valuable or threatening items with you.

Report dangerous experiences
If you experience a situation in which you feel your safety was compromised, contact the police immediately and report the situation to Frontenac Transportation Services.

ETIQUETTE

Before you share a ride and to avoid unpleasant surprises, we encourage you to talk about these topics.

Money
People sharing rides should expect to share the expense but opinions may vary as to what’s a reasonable amount, so talk about this up front. Remember that transportation costs legitimately include the gas, and also the price of the car, insurance, maintenance and repair. It is the expectation of this program that drivers should be reimbursed for expenses on a non- profit basis. Arrangements may be renegotiated over time, e.g. regular trips.

Travel plans
Talk about your travel plans in detail and agree on a timeline, for pick up and return. Consider breaks for washroom, food, smoking etc. People may have medical conditions that need to be considered.

Expectations
What are they? Is this a one way trip or return? Are you/they planning or willing to stop at multiple destinations? How long will you/they need at each destination? Are you willing to provide assistance?

Be on time
One of the secrets to a successful rideshare is timing. Call ahead if something unexpected comes up and you know you’re going to be late.

Cancellations
If you need to cancel, contact the other person right away. It is not OK to just not show up!

Bad weather
When bad weather is predicted rides may be cancelled. Safety of the passenger and driver is essential. Please exercise caution and make arrangements in case of bad weather.

Fragrances
Go scent free when carpooling. More and more people feel ill when they breathe in the perfumes used in things like cologne, shampoo and lotions.

Eating and drinking
Always ask before eating or drinking in someone’s car.

Music and/or radio
Some people like music and others prefer talk radio. Come to an agreement about programming and volume that everyone in the car can live with. Silence is okay too.

Be specific
Give as much detailed information as possible in the “Additional Info” box when posting a ride, for example, travel days, departure times, arrival times, stops along the way, allergies (dogs) etc., to help others know if this ride is a good fit.

Feedback Form

Your Name
First Last
Your Email Address
Your Phone Number
Reason for Feedback?
- General comment
- Give praise to a driver/rider that you had
- Complain about a driver/rider that you had
- Question(s) about the rideshare service
Your comments/feedback*

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