Like many Americans, when my husband and I relocated to the suburbs outside a larger city, one of our biggest worries was how we’d get to work.
We both work in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, and because the city center sits on an isthmus (with water on both sides), parking is extremely scarce. When we lived downtown, my husband rode the bus and I drove to my job where parking was included. As we planned the move to the suburbs, his bus option vanished unless he wanted to leave a half-hour earlier to reach the bus stop for a 45-minute ride.
Since the bus commute wasn’t realistic, we investigated downtown parking. His employer didn’t provide a space, so he would need to purchase a pass for a municipal parking ramp. Looking at a Monday-through-Friday pass that fit our needs, we were shocked. It was $180 per month — that adds up to $2,160 a year just for parking!
On top of that, there was fuel cost — roughly $80 a month for his 25-mile round trip. That meant he’d be spending about $3,120 annually just to drive to work. There had to be a better approach.
Choosing to Carpool
Like many drivers, I value the solo time in my car. It’s when I prepare for the workday, unwind afterward, and crank up the music when I need to.
I was reluctant to give up that alone time, and I wasn’t thrilled about leaving 10 minutes earlier and returning 10 minutes later to suit my husband’s schedule. But $3,120 was far too much to waste on commuting separately, particularly when his workplace was under a five-minute drive from mine.
We’ve been sharing rides for about a year now, and it has saved us over $3,000, plus the wear and tear on our second vehicle. It’s comforting to know we could manage with just one car if necessary.
Carpooling brought unexpected perks as well, like the chance to recap the workday immediately after leaving the office. We enjoy talking about work on the drive home and, for the most part, switching to other topics once we get home.
Also, it’s helpful to have an extra set of eyes during rush hour. Several times we’ve helped each other spot cars, pedestrians and cyclists. It’s also reassuring to have company during bad weather.
Where to Find Carpool Partners
Ready to cut commuting costs by carpooling? Look for potential riders in three areas of your life. First, consider family. Does your spouse, partner or another relative work fairly close to your job? Do either of you receive parking as an employment perk?
Next, reach out to neighbors. Does anyone in your apartment building or neighborhood share a similar schedule and commute route? Use community listservs, Meetups and Facebook groups to post your interest. Check if any coworkers live nearby or pass your neighborhood on their way to work.
Finally, think about the wider community. Would you feel comfortable sharing a ride with someone you meet on Craigslist or a ridesharing platform? What about a mutual friend or acquaintance?
If your city offers incentives for carpooling, it might also run a message board or another way for commuters to connect. Check resources on programs that pay you to carpool for more details.
Also consider using modern carpool apps to find compatible riders or drivers, or learn how to commute without dc metro if you’re in the DC area and seeking alternatives.
Be Prepared for the Trade-offs
Of course, carpooling has downsides. Some (OK, many) mornings I’m in a sour mood, and we have a “quiet ride” rule for the commute in. Some drives home are tense thanks to traffic and venting about the workday.
To make a carpool successful, maintain open communication and stay flexible. When my husband needs to come in early or stay late, I adjust, just as he does when my schedule changes or I have special obligations that alter my hours.
Before you agree to ride with a neighbor or someone you meet online, think about safety. Don’t just let any stranger into your car or jump into theirs. Ask for references, meet first in a public spot, or find carpool partners from people you already trust.
At the end of the day, carpooling is a straightforward way to keep more money in your wallet. You’ll cut fuel and parking expenses, lessen your environmental footprint and possibly enjoy a better commute, all at once.
Your Turn: Have you tried carpooling? What suggestions would you offer someone just starting out?
