Casual ridesharing, or slugging, is an informal carpool arrangement where passengers can find rides to the city they need through internet sites. It is a first-come, first-served arrangement and can be unsafe. Etiquette rules apply, and passengers should report troublesome drivers.
A casual rideshare is an interesting concept that has arisen due to the large number of drivers who must travel long distances from home on a regular basis. Freeways are often set up with carpool or diamond lanes, which can be used by travelers with two or three or more passengers. These theoretically make a trip faster. Additionally, many toll bridges do not charge those traveling by car, resulting in a bit of money saved for the driver.
Instead of the more formal carpool arrangements between friends or co-workers, an informal carpool, also called slugging, is arranged informally. People often set up Internet sites to quickly find a ride to the city they need, and passengers don’t have to pay drivers money. Those looking for a ride simply scan the website for their area, and can connect with a driver the night before. Usually all they need is to be at a designated location at a certain time, so drivers don’t have to scramble to pick up people in multiple areas. Casual rideshare locations are usually next to freeway entrances.
A person may pre-arrange the casual rideshare so that they are guaranteed a seat, or may have to take their chances by showing up at a casual rideshare site. It is often a first-come, first-served arrangement. The driver will only take people who show up first. Therefore, the first informal traveler usually takes the trip if there is no formal agreement with the driver. This may mean that some people may not be transported. However, informal carpooling has worked so well in most suburban areas with large commuting populations that a ride to a major city can usually be found quickly.
Casual carpooling is a great idea, but some writers on the topic cite it as a perfectly safe mode of transportation. In reality, it can’t be perfectly safe, as you don’t know your driver, his driving skills, and he might be connected to a predator. Websites often rate casual rideshare drivers. For safety, it’s best not to accept a ride from someone who isn’t familiar to regular travelers.
An informal carpool can work both in the morning and at night. Since people have different schedules, this means that one cannot travel with the same driver in the morning as in the evening. If a toll is expected at the bridge, despite the status of carpooling, it is considered good etiquette to offer half to one-third of the toll, depending on how many total passengers are in the car.
A few other etiquette rules apply for the person wanting to try a casual rideshare. You must allow drivers to start a conversation. Some people really don’t like to talk while driving, while others may share their life stories with you. Consider the size of other passengers. If you are traveling in a car with three people and one person is taller than you, offer them the front seat. Don’t chat about controversial topics or criticize drivers, and also don’t turn on the radio without asking permission. Be on time as you are likely to miss your trip otherwise, and don’t ask the driver to get out of the way.
Most Internet sites that offer casual rideshare listings and locations also include places to report troublesome drivers. You should definitely write down the license plates of people who have harassed you or who have driven so badly that you fear for your life. Also, if you are in an accident in a casual rideshare, you should definitely get the complete information about the driver in case of injury.
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