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.