Carpool program

Those extra seats in your car are just begging to be used. Your car and wallet will thank you because you will be cutting down on fuel, maintenance, repair bills, and Parking Permit costs by leaving your car home occasionally. In addition, if you Carpool, we have reserved spaces for you. So, sit back and chat with your new Carpool buddies. Have some coffee, relax, and enjoy the ride.

 

The OSU Parking and Transit Services Office offers a free online matching service which helps people locate others interested in Carpooling. When matches are identified, you will be contacted by e-mail of potential carpool participants in your area. You make the actual arrangements. If you already Carpool, you may use this service to locate new or additional riders. The free on-line Carpool matching services is located at Carpool Matching. Once you have formed your Carpool, come to the Parking and Transit Services Office located at 1006 W. Hall Of Fame to obtain a Carpool Permit.

 

Once you have formed your Carpool group, please fill out the Carpool Registration Form that can be found at OSU Carpool Registration Form (Faculty/Staff or Student). All individuals within the Carpool must fill out a registration card. Information needed for registration will include all carpool members’ name, address, email, and phone number. All cars involved in the Carpool must also be registered. Drivers will need their vehicles make, model, and tag number. Carpool Registration Forms can be taken to the Parking and Transit Services Office, 1006 W. Hall of Fame, where you will also receive your Carpool Permit. It’s that easy!

 

The new transferable cling parking permit makes Carpooling easy. A Carpool Parking Permit can be displayed in any vehicle within the Carpool as long as the registered person is along. If the group disbands, individual parking permits can be obtained.

 

To promote and encourage Carpooling, two or more University faculty or staff may obtain a Faculty/Staff Carpool permit that will allow them to park in special areas reserved for faculty / staff Carpool parking only. Students may apply for a Student Carpool permit where reserved Student Carpool spaces are available. All reserved Carpool spaces are available until 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. Carpool permits are not allowed to park in the F/A designated lots (Lot 35 and 36) south of Whitehurst Hall.

 

Only one registered vehicle may be on campus at one time unless a Carpooler uses a temporary parking permit. Each member of the Carpool will receive a pro-rated number of temporary parking permits for those times they cannot make the Carpool and need to bring their vehicle to campus.

 

You are ultimately responsible for your safety. We cannot make any assurances about the people who use our service. But with some common sense precautions (see tips for carpools) you can find a ride, help the traffic congestion, do something good for the environment, and have fun!

 

OSU Parking and Transit Services supplies the Carpool matching service free of charge and makes available parking space only! Carpool permits are subject to all of the Parking Regulations. The OSU Parking and Transit Services Department assume no liability for any circumstances that arise when carpoolers use this service.

For more information, you can contact the Parking and Transit Services Office at (405)744-6525

Pete's Tips for Carpooling

1. Carpooling does not require that you have a car, but it does require that you can be dependable, on time, and considerate of your fellow carpoolers.
2. At the very beginning of the carpool certain issues should be discussed and decisions made. Issues that should be settled immediately include members’ feelings about the radio, conversation, smoking habits’, reading, and eating.
3. When sharing driving duties, rotate daily, weekly, or monthly, but develop a firm, regular schedule.
4. If Needed, agree in advance on reimbursement for driving expenses, and then set regular payment schedules.
5. Make a “clean car” policy and stick to it. The car that carries you to and from work should be clean, safe, comfortable, and regularly serviced.
6. Be Punctual! This applies to both drivers and riders. Wait a predetermined amount for each passenger and then drive on. Don’t honk for your passengers. Honking is not good for the neighbors, especially early in the morning.
7. Establish a chain of communication and a backup carpool plan.
8. Drive safely. Speeding, taking chances or just plain negligence should never be tolerated.
9. Discuss your carpool plans with your insurance agent. Liability coverage is usually adequate but make sure of it. Many companies offer reduced rates for carpoolers.
10. Practice good personal hygiene and be willing to modify your personal habits.
11. Look upon carpooling as a cooperative effort by you and individuals who are or who could become your good friends. Common sense, dependability, courtesy, planning, and accommodation are essential for a successful carpool. Together, they can make carpooling a pleasant, money saving alternative to driving alone.
12. If you don’t know your Carpooling buddies, feel free to ask them about their driving record. Make sure they have a valid drivers license.