Carpooling is a real money-saver as it helps you save on fuel and more
When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go–to work, that is! But, with the price of gas these days, it’s getting more difficult all the time. It is no wonder why the concept of carpooling is catching on very quickly and with more enthusiasm than ever before amongst the schooling and working community.
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What is carpooling?
Carpooling is sharing rides to and from work or school. Think of it as a taxi that is less expensive and nicer smelling with a much friendlier atmosphere. Here is how it works…
The car owner charges a flat monthly fee for riders (usually 1 to 4) to ride to and from work each day. The riders in a carpool are usually employed in the same building or at least in the same vicinity. In most arrangements, those in the carpool take turns with the driving. In other words, if more than one person in the carpool owns a vehicle, car owners take turns using their vehicles (and getting paid).
Another widely popular form of carpooling is kid carpools. Kid carpools are nothing more than mums getting together to trade rides to and from school, sports practices and games. Some mums even carpool for occasional events like birthday parties and trips to the swimming pool or the movies.
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Why carpool?
That’s an easy one:
- Less expensive than a taxi ride
- About the same cost (or less) than the bus and much more comfortable
- Dependable
- Potential for additional income–at the very least, enough for gas and vehicle maintenance
- Helps one save on parking fees
- Gives mums more time for things besides running kids here and there
- Reduces the strain the high cost of gas puts on the family’s budget
- Offers a better atmosphere
How to carpool?
In addition to the traditional carpooling agreements between co-workers or people who live in the same neighbourhood, there are other avenues for engaging in carpooling. A few key ones include:
- Carpool SG gives both car owners and prospective carpool riders the chance to sign up for carpooling services for free. Carpool SG estimates the cost savings at $200 per month based on carpooling charges versus taxi fees. You can check out their website for more information and a free sign-up.
- SMOVE! is Singapore’s newest and finest transportation innovation. It offers electric cars and bicycles for rent by the minute or for a 24-hour period. They also offer shuttle services for a low by-the-minute price that is often less than taxi fees and comparable to bus fares (without the hustle, bustle and hassle). SMOVE! cars offer unlimited mileage, insurance and electricity– these allotments are included in the price and can be reserved online. Pick-up is easy, too. Just flash your SMOVE! card by the unlock feature in the windshield and you’re ready to roll.
The downside
Like most of the best things in life, there’s always a downside. While carpooling is a great idea for all the reasons listed above, there are some negatives when depending on someone else for your ride. This is especially true if you have children. Ask yourself, what is going to happen if you need to pick up a sick child from school? How will you reach them if they get hurt?
And what about running to the dry cleaners or stopping at the store on your way home? Some carpools will designate a grocery stop day to help with that, but as for the cleaners or similar errands, you’ll have to do what you can on foot during your lunch hour.
Carpooling also is not very soccer-mum friendly. If you’re going to need to rush out of work to get to your child’s game on time, you may want to consider another source of transportation.
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Carpooling makes sense
While it may not work for everyone, every day of the week, carpooling is an economical, hassle-free way to get to and from work or to get the kids to and from all the places kids need and want to be.
We hope this article on carpooling was beneficial to you. Perhaps, you’ve been considering it for awhile. The ideas offered here might simplify the decision-making process for you.