Frequently Asked Questions
What is car or journey sharing?
It is when two or more people decide to travel to
work together in
one car rather than separately. It does not exclude people
who would normally travel as a passenger on other transport, but is
really aimed at getting vehicles off the roads by increasing
the number of people in each car.
How does car or journey sharing work?
Once you have completed the registration form the details will be entered
into the database. The Carshare2Cardiff system will then produce a list of suitable
sharers; people to pick up on the way or who live near you and who meet the
criteria you have requested. From this list it is then up to *you* to contact
each other and formulate a car or journey share agreement that is convenient to you all.
You do not have to over commit yourself at this stage. One option is to set
a trial period and a date to review the feelings of all parties. This will
enable you to stop sharing at this point if the arrangement doesn't suit
any or some of the parties involved.
Why should I consider car or journey sharing?
Below are some of the many reasons:
- Reduce congestion and save valuable time at the beginning and end of the day
- Reduce fuel costs and parking charges by sharing the day-to-day expenses
- Reduce the mileage and everyday wear and tear on your vehicle
- Reduce traffic pollution and help contain the increasing pressure on the local community and environment
- Enjoy a more sociable and less stressful way of travelling
What about sharing costs?
There are various ways in which this can be done. If
you find a method which works particularly well for your group please email the
scheme administrator with details. Any other methods which are considered
appropriate can then be added to the list of suggestions.
- On a reciprocal basis, where you drive one week and the next week your car or journey share partner drives
- If there is only one driver then he/she may charge their passengers for the journey:
Cardiff Council currently recommends that for journeys under 20 miles you charge 10p per mile and for journeys over 20 miles, 7p per mile.
What about insurance?
You must be fully insured and it is advisable to inform your insurance company
that you are registered in a car or journey share scheme. This should not incur additional
costs. Most insurance policies cover you to carry passengers
on your journey to work, as long as you don't charge your passengers more than the running costs of the vehicle.
We offer a
sample letter
(opens in new window)
which you could use if you wish to contact your insurance company.
Do I have to share everyday?
No, the registration form includes a section that enables you to choose
the days that you want to share.
What if I car or journey share and have to leave work suddenly?
If, for genuine unexpected reasons, you have to leave work suddenly, and are a
passenger,
many employers have agreed to provide a lift or taxi to your home. This is also the case for
any passenger whose driver has to leave unexpectedly.
What happens if I am the driver and am sick?
You must contact your car or journey share partner(s) as soon as possible so that
they can make alternative arrangements. As a passenger it is also essential
for you to let the driver know you are ill so that they know not to wait
if you are not at your pick up point.
What happens if I find that car or journey sharing doesn't suit me?
If you find that car or journey sharing does not suit you,
you can stop at any time
I work shifts. Can I still share?
Yes, car or journey sharing is flexible.
If you work irregular hours, we will put you in touch with employees who work similar hours to you.
I only have use of the car occasionally. Can I still share?
Yes, the system will match you on appropriate days.
How can I plan a journey using public transport?
Visit
www.traveline-cymru.info.
You can plan your journey for door to door
and compare car/train/bus/plane times and distances.
If you have any more comments or questions please email the
Carshare Administrator
and we can include answers to any frequently asked questions for other users.
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