Carpooling

Carpooling has been around for some time and is probably the simplest of all transportation alternatives. It is just a matter of bringing people together in the same car to share a similar commute and expenses involved in that commute. CalTrans has set aside PARK & RIDE lots where individuals may park for free and transfer to a carpool or public transit. These lots are located along Highway 101 at Kenmar Road in Fortuna, Elk River/Herrick exit in Eureka and at the Trinidad exit.

Visit AlterNetRides, a carpool matching service for help finding or starting a car pool.

Preferential Parking

Each day you have 3 or more people in your car (2 if that is the car's maximum capacity) stop by the drive-up window at the Parking & Commuter Services office on Harpst Street, show your HSU parking permit and receive a Carpool Preferential Parking Permit for the day.

10 Tips for Successful Carpooling.

1. Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate a place(s) to meet for the trip home.
2. Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
3. Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. If all members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.
4. Be punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a rider is running a few minutes late.
5. Establish policies. Smoking or nonsmoking; music and volume; food and drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed.
6. Make carpooling serve its purpose. If it is for commuting to and from work or school, do not let it become a shopping or errand service.
7. Establish a chain of communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a member is ill or will not be working, the driver must be contacted as soon as possible. Carry a card with every member's name, work and home phone number.
8. Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean and safe. There are others involved. There should be no excuse for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless maneuvers.
9. Respect your fellow carpooler's wishes, especially in the morning when some people like a time of quiet.
10. If you lose a member of your carpool, change your ride status in AlterNetRides to OPEN for help in finding a replacement.