5 Carpool Etiquette to Be a Good Co-Passenger

by Jeremy Thompson Web Marketer

Irrespective of choosing a carpool for students or professionals, there are certain etiquette that should be universally observed by all when you are sharing the ride. There are numerous benefits of ride-sharing services but how smooth your ride is, will depend largely on your and the co-passengers’ etiquette and understanding. Sharing your ride may seem an easy solution but neglecting some basic manners can lead to unpleasant memories and even breach of safety.

We have shared some valuable carpool etiquette which can make sure your ride is smooth, safe, and memorable.

Do not keep your co-riders waiting for you

Punctuality is the basic key to enjoy a smooth ride. If you are seeking ride-share in Toronto or any part of GTA, make sure you are absolutely ready to go before you book your ride. There is a specified wait time and the car will leave the rider behind after that. That can be a bitter experience. Moreover, keeping your co-passengers waiting can result is on-board arguments which can be as humiliating and spoil the mood of the ride entirely.

Do not forget to inform your driver if you aren’t coming on some day

When you opt for the car-pool service on a regular basis with a few common co-passengers and even the same driver, keeping their contact numbers at hand will be a wise decision. If you are not taking the ride on any day, notifying the drivers and the co-passenger is a thoughtful gesture to make sure they do not waste any time waiting around outside your home on that day. Your carpool driver is likely to contact you under such circumstances, but being forthcoming is a quality that will be much appreciated.

Do not force your choice of entertainment on others

Music, on-ride Wi-Fi and applications can become the point of conflict when there are numerous riders with varying opinion. The only way to solve this trouble is either dividing the time span when each passenger can play the soundtrack they want or coming to an overall decision about the genre of music that everyone likes. If none of this solution suits you, plug in your earphones and listen to the music you want, without disturbing others sharing the ride. The same applies to applications that your carpool service offers.

Do not carry messy or strong-smelling food

You may like to rush to your college in a student-specific car share with a burger or taco in hand but your co-passenger may not find it very thrilling when sauces and dressing spills. In a confined space, be sensible about the type of food you bring with you. Be sensible and make sure you are not carrying any food or beverage that has a strong smell and might spill or drip on others sitting beside you. Be polite to your co-passengers and offer them a share.

Do not fight over the window seat or AC controls

Everyone loves the window seat and wants the AC temperature to be set according to their convenience. However, the right way to seat will be shifting and making space for the next person who boards the ride. Also, when it comes to the AC temperature, set a tolerable one keeping the outdoor climate in mind and also taking note of whether anyone sharing the ride is sick. If you are specifically intolerant to cold temperature, carrying mittens and shawls will be a wise decision.

Considering the perks of shared rides, one can easily understand the reasons behind it’s growing popularity. But minor troubles between co-passengers can put off someone from availing these facilities forever. Co-operation and politeness can ensure that a carshare is enjoyable for you and your co-riders. Make sure you are not the offender by taking note of the above-mentioned basic etiquette.