Question: Why doesn't my intersection show up in the create profile?
Answer: Our mapping service sometimes cannot find certain intersections. We advise that you try different close by intersections. It is OK if it is not exact, we expect you will probably tell the person
who you contact to carpool with what the correct intersection is. Also, you might try and put in another address close by where they can meet you.
Question: How come there are not any matches found?
Answer: The primary reason is that there is no one in your area to carpool with. You might need to get involved and do some self-promotion to get others to sign up.
Contact:
For any other issue with the site please send an email to help@ridesearch.com | help@ridesearch.com
Terms of Use
You must be 18 years of age or older to use RideSearch.com
RideSearch requires a valid and active email account. By using the site, you agree that this email will
be validated and that RideSearch is not liable to determine the actual user who provided the email address
or information collected by the site. (If someone else has provided your information without your consent,
please contact us immediately)
Use of the site indicates an agreement to adhere
to all RideSearch policies
RideSearch reserves the right to refuse service to anyone and may deactivate or lock out a current
member at its sole discretion.
Any form of inappropriate communication between RideSearch members using the RideSearch system will be
grounds for immediate account deactivation. RideSearch staff has sole authority to define "inappropriateâ€
but will include vulgar, suggestive, aggressive, threatening, sexist, prejudicial or racial slurs.
Contacting members for any reason other than the facilitation of carpooling is strictly prohibited
and will be considered unacceptable use. RideSearch reserves the sole authority to determine Acceptable
and Unacceptable use on a case by case basis.
Although RideSearch will make every effort to
maintain a responsive and consistent service, it makes no guarantee for "uptime†and accepts no
liability in the case the site becomes inaccessible.
Lifetime Memberships are valid for as long as RideSearch.com is currently working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
1) Register and create your personal RideSearch profile.
2) Search listings using the "Find a Ride" button.
3)
Reply to other listings by checking the message center for new messages from
other carpoolers.
Who will be able to see my personal information?
My Personal Information
You will only be known by your "user name". None of your personal information
(real name, or phone etc) will be available. Your Home Location and Work Location WILL be viewable for searching. That is why it is best to use a home intersection instead of a home address. After you've found potential
carpoolers, you will be given the ability to release the pieces of information you desire
to individual RideSearch members in our message
center to make communication easier.
My Email
Initially, your communications with other RideSearch users will be "double blind". This means that
you will communicate with other users via our message
center, but neither of you will know the others actual email address.
You will communicate with each other using your "user names". If you choose, you will be able to
release your email address to individual members. This will make communication easier.
How much money will I save?
Probably more than you would expect. The AAA (American Automotobile Association) lists their
"Composite National Average" at $0.52 per mile. This estimate includes maintenance,
tires, insurance, license and registration, loan finance charges and depreciation costs. However,
the study used
an average fuel price of $2.41 per gallon. Nationwide averages are significantly higher now. Considering gasoline prices are volitile these numbers
are likely to rise and fall depending on many factors.
I don't have a car. Can I still become a member?
No problem. Many RideSearch members are simply looking to lower their transportation costs and possibly
make a friend in the process. Simply pay your portion of the gas and parking. (You may consider
offering to contribute a little extra as you are not paying for the cost of depreciation on a
personal vehicle. Here is a typical formula for determining rider contributions.)
Please note that payment arrangements, terms, methods, collection etc. are the sole responsibility
of the parties in the carpool.
What if I...have an emergency and have to leave early
Though rare, this is most people's primary concern. In the event that the driver will not be able to return
everyone home, the first thing to do is to notify all riders immediately. This
will give them time to make alternative arrangements.
Fortunately, in this area we have multiple transportation options available:
Contact a friend, relative or your spouse for a ride
Arrange a ride with a co-worker
Make use of the city's public transportation system
...and if reasonable, go "old-school" and walk. Though shocking to some, this is a proven and
effective method of movement still in use today by many throughout the world. It can also be used for the basis of
one of those treasured "Back in my day..." stories.
In a "Worst Case Scenario" you can always call a cab. Though somewhat expensive, a cab ride is only a
fraction of your potential yearly savings from using RideSearch. In the future RideSearch may allow you to search for cabs...
What if I...have children in daycare?
This is a common question. Here are several workable solutions:
If you're the driver that day, drop the children off early
Talk with your childcare provider, explain your carpooling arrangements and request permission to leave your
car on their premesis. If they agree to this, you can make the daycare facility your permanent meeting
point or use it only when needed.
Select an acceptable public area near you daycare and make that your meeting point.
Ask your group members if they would be willing to add the daycare stop as part of commute. (This may be
slightly more difficult if a car seat is involved or the distance to the daycare facility is prohibitive.)
Post a RideSearch flyer at the facility to find potential carpoolers. The best people
to carpool with are those who work where you do, live where you do, and stop at
places you do. So it is in your best interest to post flyers in those locations.
What if I...have to run an errand during the day?
Simply arrange to be the driver for that specific day or the week. One thing to
be stressed is a merciful attitude when dealing with carpooling and even others
in general. It is not a perfect system, but over time it is one that has many benefits.
This arrangement has become uncomfortable. Can I get out of it?
All RideSearch agreements are "at will" so any party can get out at any time for any reason. RideSearch does not negotiate with members in your carpool
and has no involvement in whatever deals or policies your carpool initiates. It
is up to you to notify the other users you no longer wish to carpool with them.
Though
there is always the possibility that a group or member won't work out, there is a great deal you can do to
make sure everyone will be comfortable. Please see the following links for suggestions:
Although this page may look a little "dry," we have attempted to make this page clear, concise and helpful.
If you are not interested in the legal "mumbo-jumbo", at least read the Safety section.
It is our desire that everyone's RideSearch experience be safe and rewarding.
Safety
Trust is something a person earns. This requires time. It should not be given quickly, foolishly
or without careful consideration.
We state the obvious here because there are some people out there who should not be trusted. There are also people who are quite
strange and some who are just intolerable. You are the only person who can decide this for
yourself. RideSearch cannot and does not certify, endorse or attest to the character
of RideSearch users.
We at RideSearch are not safety experts and are not qualified to recommend specific safety procedures.
The items below are
among the practices you may consider to help ensure your personal safety:
Do not disclose your real name, email, address or employer at first. Use RideSearch to communicate with them using your screen name. (This will shield your personal information and email address.)
Do not ride with someone you don’t trust or that makes you uncomfortable.
You may agree to an initial trial period so both parties can "test the waters".
Make it clear at the onset of the carpool that there may be circumstances later that will make it impossible for you to continue. This makes it clear that the carpool is not a "permanent" arrangement and gives you a diplomatic way out later.
Ride with more than one other individual. This makes the experience safer and enhances all aspects of the program.
Make your pick-up/drop-off point a public location until you thoroughly trust the other individual. (You may desire to make this arrangement permanent.) Meet at a public park or contact churches, restaurants or other establishments that benefit from having cars in their lot.
Arrange for a face-to-face meeting in a public setting before agreeing to ride together. This will give you a chance to "get a feel" for the person and clear up any questions, concerns or special needs you may have.
If you agree to ride together, get the other person's driver's license or license plate or VIN (vehicle registration number) in advance and share that information with a trusted friend or relative.
Take a picture of the other person and their vehicle.
Finally, trust your instincts. If something causes red flags to go off, do not agree to the carpool.
If you're currently carpooling, politely terminate the arrangement immediately and arrange an alternate ride home
if necessary. All participation is "at will" and can be terminated at any time by any person for any reason.
Privacy
RideSearch takes your privacy and its information management policies very seriously.
In short, RideSearch will not collect any personally identifiable information unless that information
is specifically provided by a RideSearch user. Additionally, the information collected is the
bare minimum deemed necessary by RideSearch to successfully provide ride matching and site administration.
You will control access to your personal information at all times. If you choose,
you will be able to release some or all of your personal information to specific RideSearch user(s)
when you feel comfortable
doing so. (* As always, RideSearch urges care in the establishment of relationships
or meetings with strangers. See our Safety Section above for
tips and suggestion to ensure your RideSearch experience is a positive one.)
Information Sharing
RideSearch does not share any personally identifiable information with external parties. This includes
information like home or work address, phone numbers, email addresses or your name.
RideSearch does collect information on the general use the site. This is sometimes referred to as
"Aggregate Data." This includes information like peak usage data, most visited pages and average length of
visits per user. This is done through the use of cookies (to store user preferences and rudimentary data) and
in some cases IP addresses (used to facilitate the collection of aggregate data). Aggregate data may be shared
with third parties, but not in a personally identifiable form.
The exception to this policy would be that RideSearch is compelled by law to disclose
personal information or that we have reason to believe that a user may need to be contacted immediately.
Policy Changes
RideSearch retains the right to change, modify, add or remove its policies at any time. Changes will be
posted on this page and users are encouraged to check this page periodically.
Your continued use of this site indicates your agreement with all RideSearch policies.
If you feel there is a discrepancy between our actual use of the information and the policies stated here,
you can contact us at the address below:
RideSearch.com
1352 Riley Dr.
Carrollton, Texas
75007
* Please note:
This policy applies to RideSearch.com exclusively and is not in effect on other sites that link to or from RideSearch.com
If any portion of this policy is deemed invalid in a court of law, all other portions of this policy remain in effect
In no event is RideSearch, its developers, its owners or its operators liable for any injuries or losses by any party related to the use of this web site. You are
responsible for your own actions and not RideSearch.com.
Foundations For Success
Like most worthwhile endevours, a successful carpool takes some forethought. A few simple questions while
establishing the relationship and common courtesy can help pave the way to a smooth and successful carpool. Here are some
suggestions and guidelines we've found to be helpful.
Setting the Foundation
For many, a preliminary meeting in a public location is an ideal way to start. Getting to know the person over a
cup of coffee before arrangements have been made will give all parties a chance to get a feel for the
situation, ask pertinent questions and share any concerns or special needs they may have.
(* When meeting with strangers, common sense and prudence should prevail. We recommend you review our Safety Suggestions for
helpful guidelines.)
Logistics
Work Schedules
For many, work schedules are suprisingly flexible. Determine who will drive and ride on what dates and how the
rotation will work. Use the RideSearch Calendar or have your calendar handy. Don't forget about holidays and your
holiday work schedules.
Will you ride every day, or only a few days a week?
Pick-up / Drop-off
Determine the initial pick-up and drop-off points. It is common for new carpooler to set their initial pick-up/drop-off
points to a public locations or intersection. Some prefer Door-to-Door arrangements. With RideSearch you can specify a
physical address or intersection when specifying pick-up/drop-off locations.)
Money
> First
Decide how the fares will be calculated. We suggest a formula similar to this:
(Total Miles * Cost Per Mile) / Number of Riders = The Daily Fare Per Carpooler
Example:
Total Miles = 30
Cost per Mile = $0.27
Number of Riders = 3
(30 * 0.27) / 3 = $2.70 (per rider, per day)
> Second
Decide how and when the fares will be collected and then be consistent. Integrity in the financial aspects of the
carpool are essential to maintaing "good will" within the group.
Comfort and Courtesy
It has been said that, "Good fences make good neighbors".
Discussing the items below can be very helpful in establishing as strong foundation for a sucessful carpool.
Will food or beverages be allowed in the car?
Is smoking acceptable?
What about unplanned stops like Starbucks or the drug store?
The Radio: On or Off? If on, to a mutually agreeable station or does the driver get to choose?
Do considerations need to be made for allergies like pets or cologne?
What If's...
What If...Someone get's sick, has car trouble or their alarm doesn't go off?
Decide ahead of time how you will handle this situation. Who gets contacted and how? Will the individual
who could not fulfill thier obligations for the day have to do a "make up day"?
What If...One of the parties is late?
How long will people be expected to wait? (5 minutes is typical)
What If...One of the parties is always late?
Being chronically late is not only disrespectful to everyone in the carpool but it can also have repercussions
at work. Clear guidelines should be set regarding tardiness and the closure of a carpooling arragement.
What If...There is an emergency and the driver will not be able to drop-off their riders
This should be quite rare, but each person should determine how they will handle this situation. For most,
friends, relatives or co-workers will be happy to help out in an emergency situation. In a worst case scenario
public transportation or calling a cab service is a viable alternative.
