The San Joaquin Valley is a great place to live. It is close to a variety of recreational and cultural sites, and the cost of living is very reasonable. This community is ideal until its air quality is evaluated. Our community recognizes air quality as one of the region's biggest problems. Many businesses and organizations are responding to the need to improve air quality by actively encouraging employees to seek alternatives to driving alone. In turn, businesses benefit from fewer sick days being taken by employees and lower health care costs.

A great alternative to driving alone, even just one day a week.
Find a carpool partner and save big by splitting costs. One less car on the road means less pollution, which is good for your health and our environment. Put fewer miles on your car, therefore reducing maintenance and fuel costs. Some companies even have free carpool parking spaces or reserve the spaces closest to the building for ridesharers.

How to get a carpool rolling
First, register with Valleyrides.com or call Valleyrides at (559) 441-7433 for a free, computerized matchlist. Your list will have the names and emails/phone numbers of people who live by you, work by you, and have a similar schedule. Next, email or call the people you think are the most likely candidates for a carpooling group. You might meet over coffee or a lunch break to work out the details. We provide you with an extensive list of questions to ask such as: Who drives when? Pick-up and drop-off points? How long do we wait if someone is late? How much should each person pay? Each carpool is as individual as its carpoolers. You decide how you want your group to operate. Valleyrides' “Tips for Successful Carpooling” are printed on the back side of this option sheet.

Carpooling without a car?
It's done all the time. If you don't have a car, just find a driver or carpool group that will let you chip in your share of gas and maintenance costs in exchange for a ride. Many people have vehicles but need someone to split expenses with them.

What about emergencies?
At one time or another, almost everyone has to leave work early. Your company may have or want to develop a Guaranteed Ride Home program (see “Incentives” insert in this packet) to deal with this situation. Some employers keep vehicles available or offer a rental car or a taxi. You might be able to catch a ride with another employee leaving at a similar time. You should always be aware of your options in case of a family emergency or unexpected overtime.

Park-and-Ride Locations
Caltrans provides park-and-ride facilities within Fresno County. Each site offers secure parking in a lighted environment. You may chose to meet your carpool partners at one of these locations:

• Prather State Route 168 near Lodge Road
• Coalinga near intersection of State Route 198 and State Route 33
• Auberry near the intersection of State Route 168 and Auberry Road

Many carpoolers also set up informal park-and-ride lots at shopping malls or other central locations where there is a large parking lot with a great deal of vacant parking spaces on most days of the year. It is best to contact the organization that manages the lot to get their approval before you start using the lot. Central Valley Ridesharing can make the contact for you. Give us a call!

Tips for Successful Carpooling

Introductory Meeting: Meet with your fellow carpooler(s) before the first trip to talk about schedules, personal preferences and costs.

Locations: Select pick-up and drop-off locations that are easily accessible and safe.

Policies: Set policies on issues such as the following:

• Will there be smoking allowed?
• What radio station should we listen to, if any?
• Will there be eating and drinking allowed in the car?

Driving Schedules: Decide if you and your carpooling partner(s) will alternate the driving responsibility and if so, what schedule you will use: daily, weekly, monthly?

Sharing Expenses: Determine what expenses will be included, how they will be divided and when they will be paid. Oftentimes, with a large group of carpoolers the driver gets a reduced rate or rides free. See the sheet included in this packet called “Your Driving Costs” to determine what your actual commuting costs are. This includes operating, maintenance, and insurance costs.

Punctuality: Decide in advance how long the driver will wait if someone is running late.

Cancellation: Establish the proper procedure for notifying your carpooling partner(s). Then, when you are unable to carpool on a scheduled day you will have a procedure to follow.

Courtesy: Do not honk for your passengers in the morning or make unscheduled stops for personal errands. Courtesy:

Car Maintenance: Make sure your car is kept in proper and safe operating condition.

Traffic Laws: Drive safely, defensively and wear your seat belts.