Car Pool / Lift Club / Vanpool FAQ's

1. What is a car pool?
   A car pool is simply a method of travel where people share a car with other people who live in their general area and are travelling in the same vicinity. You are able to enjoy the same conveniences as driving your own car, and save money in the process e.g. People driving to and from work on a daily basis.
   
   Or simply to find a convenient method of transport (car pool) going in your direction even if you do not own a vehicle.



2. What is a school pool?
   A school pool is a method of travel similar to the car pool where parents combine and use a single resource (a car) with other parents to take their children to and from school on a daily basis, thus leaving more time for the parents to enjoy other things and saving money in the process. It will also find a convenient method of getting your children to school even if you do not own a car.



3. What is a vanpool?
   A vanpool is for a larger number of people sharing a ride. Some companies have their own transport system (or assist in providing one) and may make use of SUVs, Vans, Mini-Vans or Micro Busses. It is probably the most cost effective of all ride sharing options.



4. What is a trip?
   A trip is a method of travel where people travelling around our country can advertise that they will be driving from one point to another, and wish to have a passenger(s), who can help reduce costs. This is also useful for people who may not own their own car, but wish to travel to specific destinations for concerts, conventions or just a plain old holiday. Also great for Back Packers!



5. Is this service totally free?
   Put simply, Yes - The complete site is totally free for all members wishing to take advantage of the sites functionality i.e. car pool, school pool & trip options or to browse other areas and use some of the other features.



6. Why should I car pool or ride share?
   When you car pool, everybody benefits. You'll save up to thousands of Rands a year on fuel, car maintenance plus wear and tear - and you won't have to deal with the stress of fighting traffic every day. Of course, you're also doing your part to help ease traffic, reduce smog and cut fuel-use. It can also be a great way to meet new friends!



7. How are my details used?
   Your details will only be made available to those people who have requested this for the sole purpose of creating a lift club. When someone wants to contact you regarding a pool or trip, then the system will send you an email - your email address is never divulged, and you can only be contacted, or make contact with other members via the site.



8. I don't have a car. Can I still use this site?
   Yes - just search the relevant pools or trips, find a suitable pool or trip and contact the owner. However, you must be logged in to contact an owner of a pool or trip. If you are not a member you will be asked to sign up and become a member before you can contact any pool or trip owner - remember its Free. Once contact has been made you can chip in for fuel and costs in exchange for a ride or find one that lets you ride for a reduced fee if you help drive (at owners discretion).



9. What do I say when I contact potential car pool partners?
   Simply explain why you are emailing and ask to meet the other person for coffee or lunch to iron out the details. At that time, you can determine whether you're suited to car pool, school pool or trip together and decide on the rules.



10. What if there is no car pool in my area?
    Simply register your details and you will be contacted when a car pool, school pool or trip becomes available in your area.



11. What if I need my car during the day?
    Develop a plan with your fellow travellers. Are all of you willing to lend the car out if needed in case of emergency? Are you willing to drive each other home? Co-workers can often be called on to help in a crisis, or you may consider having a back-up bus itinerary handy. Also, ask your employer if your company offers a program that guarantees a ride home in case of emergency or unexpected overtime.



12. How can I use this service with my erratic schedule?
    If your schedule often varies, consider car-pooling regularly once or twice a week, instead of every day or use multiple pools as some may be going your way and have a vacancy. If using multiple pools, ensure that the owner is aware of your arrangements and is not stood up on those days you do not travel with them e.g. every Thursday with Pool A and the rest with Pool B.



13. How do I turn off automatic notifications?
    Log into your eLiftClub account and select 'Change Details'. The notification section is at the bottom of the page under 'Account Settings'.



14. Is car-pooling and ride sharing safe?
    Safety always has to be a priority. Get the full contact details of the driver before the journey and let your family and friends know beforehand that you will be ride sharing. You could arrange to meet the driver beforehand in a common location with friends, to initially break the ice.



15. Isn't it risky to ride with strangers?
    Always use your best judgment. Meet with your potential car pool partners before agreeing to ride together. If you decide to give the car pool a try, you may want to set up a probation period. That way, if you're not comfortable, you can easily bow out and find another car pool. There is absolutely no obligation to stay in a car pool that isn't working.



16. What can I do to help my new car pool succeed?
    Once you've established initial arrangements and operating rules, set up a trial period to give the car pool or school pool a chance to work. If possible, a four-week period is ideal to get the car pool running smoothly. Check progress with car pool partners periodically during the trial period.



17. How do we decide who drives?
    Is there someone in the group who likes to drive or may be willing to do the driving? Some people only want to ride and are willing to reimburse part of the costs, while others prefer to share the driving. If driving is shared, no money need be exchanged. Most car pool partners trade off driving each week. Whoever will be the driver(s) should make sure they have a safe vehicle and are willing to obey the rules of the road.



18. I can't find a car pool, school pool or trip going to my destination?
    As the site is still in it's infancy, it may be easier to leave all the 'From' fields blank in the Search Form and just fill in the 'To' fields. That way you will see all the people travelling to that destination and may be able to share with them.



19. My City/Town does not appear in the drop down menu?
    Please send a mail to support@eliftclub.co.za and we will be happy to add it to the list for you.



20. What are SMS Credits for?
    These are available to buy if you would like to SMS fellow eLiftClubbers directly from the eLiftClub site. Many members do not have regular access to a computer or may only check their mail once a week. We all live very busy lives, and SMSing is a more direct and effective way of communicating.
    
    You can also SMS your friends at a really competitive rate.