With elevated gas prices, many commuters are looking at alternatives to save money.  Some people are opting to downsize their vehicle to a smaller more fuel-efficient car, others are moving to two-wheeled transportation such as motorcycles and scooters, and many other commuters are choosing to forfeit the car and take public transportation.  However, for those who can’t change their means of transportation or don’t have access to public transit, a car pool can be a great way to save money by sharing gas and toll costs, providing driving companionship, and, when you alternate driving, saving wear and tear on your car.

To gauge the impact gasoline prices have had on American motorists, the Consumer Reports National Research Center recently conducted a random, nationwide Auto Pulse survey. Among the findings, drivers have modified their transportation patterns to save money, reporting they have: Walked or bicycled more  (31%), carpooled more (24%), and worked from home (18%). Many more, at 59 percent, said that have driven slower, more smoothly. To save at the pump, combining these elements could significantly lower fuel expenses. While many drivers may not have the flexibility to walk to the office or work from home, driving more smoothly and carpooling are viable options.

What is your PMPG?
There’s a new buzzword that is being used for carpoolers to calculate the fuel savings, called Person or Passenger Miles Per Gallon (PMPG), which determines how many people are in the car compared with the vehicle’s miles per gallon. So, if your vehicle gets 22 mpg, and there are four people in your car pool, your PMPG would be significantly better than driving alone at 22 mpg—though it wouldn’t truly be four times better, as the extra passenger and possibly cargo weight will decrease fuel economy. 

If you decide that a car pool is for you, here are some tips to ensure a successful ride share.

• Establish an efficient route and pickup/drop off times.
• Decide who will drive and how often, setting a daily, weekly or monthly schedule.
• Be on time or decide how long you will wait for a passenger.
• Establish policies such as smoking or non-smoking, music and volume, food and drinks, and cell-phone use.
• Determine the purpose. If the ride share is for commuting purposes, don’t make unscheduled stops or errands.
• Keep your vehicle in good condition by maintaining your car and keeping the interior clean and comfortable.
• Determine the method and frequency of payment for tolls and gasoline up front. Consider alternating driving days to ensure vehicle wear and tear is fair for all.
• Discuss contact methods if a car pooler or driver is sick or on vacation.

There are a number of Web sites that offer ride share programs that match you with others in your area. Some examples are NuRide.com, eRideShare.com, and RideSearch.com. Just Google "car pooling" and you’ll find a number of sites from which to choose.  Also, check with your company’s HR department to find out if they have a car pooling program or company van for employees.

Have you started using a car pool? Share your tips and insights in the comments below.

For more information on saving fuel, see our guide to driving green.

—Liza Barth