Carpool.ca is a free carpool matching program to help commuters identify potential carpool partners.

1. Q&A
Q&A

2. Why?
Why?
It is estimated that there are approximately 16 million
cars on the road in Canada. Almost 80 percent of
these are occupied only by their driver.

3. Benefits?
Benefits?
• It’s simple...
• Save the Environment: Fewer trips =
fewer emissions.
• Save Time: Fewer cars = less
congestion and increased mobility
• Save Money: Offset a portion of
your commuting costs (fuel, parking,
maintenance)

4. How do II get started?
How do get started?
• Carpool.ca was created
to help commuters
identify potential
carpool partners
• The system is free,
secure and easy to use
• Get started in a few
simple steps...

5. Create a Profile
Create a Profile
• Create a Commuter Profile by providing the
Carpool.ca system with information about your
commuting habits and preferences.
• This information is used to screen matches.

6. Define Match Preferences
Define Match Preferences
• We need to know what you are looking for in a carpool partner.
• Try to be as flexible
as possible. You
can visually screen
your list of matches
later.
• You can go back to
re-define your
preferences at any
time.

7. Define Your Trip
Define Your Trip
We need to know where you
live, where you work and the
route you take each day.
This confidential information
helps us find the best
possible matches for you.

8. Match Report 1
Match Report 1
• Request a Match Report -
the system will provide two
reports based on the
criteria you provide.
• The first report shows
‘Origin/Destination Only’
matches. These defined
by your home and work
locations.
• Scan the map and list for
additional information
about matches.

9. Match Report 2
Match Report 2
• This second report
shows additional
‘Route Matches Only’
as defined in the Trip
section of your profile.
• Scan this report for
additional user
information to
determine
compatibility.

10. Contact Matches
Contact Matches
• Contact matches after
scanning both match
reports for additional user
information.
• If a match is considered
compatible, click on the
‘Send a Message’ link
• Compose your message,
agree to share contact
information, and send
your message.

11. Finally…
Finally…
• Discuss personal compatibility, compare needs and
availability.
• Get together in a neutral location as a group to discuss:
• Who drives? Is driving shared or is there one driver and vehicle?
• Costs? Establish a fare schedule and stick to it.
• Where/When to Meet? Discuss where you will meet, what time
and how long you will wait for someone. Be on time.
• Extra Stops - Save them for your solo trips. Everyone wants to get to
work on time and home on time. Eliminate extra trips from your
carpool route.
• The Back Up Plan.... For those rare occasions when the car won’t
start, make sure you have a current list of home, work and cell phone
numbers.

12. Carpool = Flexibility
Carpool = Flexibility
• There is a common misconception that carpooling
lacks flexibility. Not true!
• You can carpool to work with one group and home
with another. Or take the bus in the morning and
carpool in the evening.
• You can carpool once a month, once a week or
everyday. You chose what’s right for you.
• You don’t need to give up your car completely.
Once you get into a routine, you have the option
of increasing your carpool trips!

13. What If II Don’t Have
What If Don’t Have
Any Matches?
Any Matches?
• If this is the case, remember that you can check the system
on a regular basis and that you’ll be notified of new matches.
Keep your file up to date. If you move or change jobs, make
sure these changes are reflected in your file.
• As the database grows, so does the potential
for matching. Help promote carpooling. Tell
neighbours and co-workers about Carpool.ca.
Contact our office to ask for free promotional
materials. We would be happy to send you
brochures to distribute at work or a bumper
sticker for your car.

14. Keep it working...
Keep it working...
• The key to long term
success in any relationship
includes communication,
honesty, understanding,
respect and flexibility.
• Applying these skills to your
carpool can result in long
term savings - and
unexpected friendships!

15. Other Questions?
Other Questions?
Are Participants Screened? Do We Share Information?
• No. Carpool.ca, its partners and
• The Carpool.ca system is provided
sponsors, do not screen
solely to assist commuters in
participants. We do not run
identifying potential carpool
background checks on participants,
partners. We do not share
check for valid drivers’ licenses, or
information or mailing lists.
assess insurance coverage. We
highly recommend getting to know
• We do, however, communicate with
your carpool partners before you
participants regularly (~6
begin carpooling.
times/year) to remind them to check
back for new matches and advise
• As with all programs that involve the
them of upcoming promotions.
internet it is highly recommended
that prior to establishing a carpool
• Program statistics are shared
partnership, at least one face-to-
regularly with funding bodies (ie,
face meeting should be planned and
regional governments and/or
proper screening of potential drivers
employers).
should take place.

16. Did we miss something?
• Thank You for taking the time to view this
presentation!
• If you still have unanswered questions, please
feel free to contact us at information@carpool.ca.
• We look forward to getting you into a carpool!