Run a car pool? Make sure you have these rules in place

Run a car pool? Make sure you have these rules in place

If you’ve decided to start a car pool scheme in order to cut your cost of petrol, you need to put some rules in place, otherwise, you will end up being late for class and messing the others in your car pool around.

Here are five sensible rules for your car pool:

1. What to charge: Work out what you would pay to get to university or college if you had to take public transport. Charge 5-10% more than public transport. Why? Because you’re going to be picking them up from their homes and dropping them off at home. You’re going to get them to class on time without them having to wait for busses or taxis, or wait half an hour for class. It’s convenience all round so they will be willing to pay slightly more than they would pay for public transport. This is easier than working out AA rates and kilometres etc.
2. Rule #1: The first rule is that your job is to take them to class at a specific time and then drop them off at home after classes at a specific time - that’s it. You cannot become their taxi service. In other words, they can’t ask you to drop them off at a friend’s house or pick you up a bit later because they want to swap subjects etc. You offer one route and to pick everyone up on that route.
3. Rule #2: You don’t wait for anyone. If you tell them they must be ready, waiting on the pavement at an agreed spot 7:15am and they’re not there at that time, they must know that you will not wait. If you get there slightly early, of course you need to wait until the agreed time. Ask them to let you know if they’re not going in so you don’t waste time waiting if they’re not going.
4. Rule #3: They must pay in advance for the week ahead. This way you know you won’t have to chase your money.
5. Rule #4: If you’re sick one day, you need to let them know well in advance so that they have time to go catch the bus or taxi and get to class on time, and you must refund them for that day. You are providing a service so don’t be unreliable, or else you’ll find yourself paying for your petrol all by yourself.
6. Rule #5: This one relates to behaviour in the car. You may want to say that they mustn’t leave their litter in the car, or eat, drink or smoke in the car. They must wear their seatbelts. And they mustn’t break anything so bags must go in the boot.

Remember, although they’re paying for the service, you are the responsible driver, so make sure you never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always look out for the safety of your passengers. Agree a safe place to stop your car to pick them up and drop them off, even if they have to walk 50m to get to that place. Always indicate when you’re going to stop and switch on your hazards to warn the car behind you. And drive responsibly.

It’s a good idea to get your passengers to sign an indemnity form to say that you will take as much care as possible to avoid any accidents or injury but if it does happen, they cannot hold you liable. Remember though, if you break the law or drive recklessly and cause an accident, they will be able to sue you so be sure to be responsible.