SchoolPool–Carpooling for Schools

Sharing rides reduces the amount of ozone-producing pollutants released into our city's air, making for a safer and cleaner environment. Alamo Area Commute Solutions uses a computer database and a special mapping program to identify those persons living nearest one another whose children attend the same school. Parents are provided a list of other parents that would be suitable matches and want to SchoolPool. Then, prospective poolers just call each other to determine driving arrangements.

Ten Terrific Reasons to SchoolPool!
  1. You won't have to drive every day.


  2. You save money on gas when you share the driving responsibilities.


  3. You won't have to worry about the safety hazards associated with kids getting to school alone.


  4. You have other parents’ phone numbers if you have car trouble and your child needs a ride.


  5. You help reduce traffic congestion around the school’s pick-up and drop-off area.


  6. You team up with other parents in getting your kids to school safely and on time.


  7. You give your kids a great lesson on saving our environment.


  8. You and your SchoolPool partners will have complete flexibility in setting up your schedule.


  9. You can change your pooling arrangements any time the need arises.


  10. SchoolPool will do all the work for you, and it’s FREE!
Getting Started

To start SchoolPooling NOW, fill out our online information request form.

Ten Bright Ideas for SchoolPoolers

These tips will help you develop a plan for your SchoolPool and get the group going in the right direction.
  1. HAVE LUNCH WITH A POTENTIAL SCHOOLPOOL PARENT BEFORE YOU START POOLING
    A personal meeting is more helpful than a phone conversation when establishing schoolpool policies.


  2. DRAW UP A DRIVING SCHEDULE
    If you decide to share driving duties, assign a particular day (or days) of the week to each driver. This way others in your family can use the car regularly. Alternately, many poolers find rotating drivers weekly or monthly to be the most practical carpool arrangement.


  3. AGREE UPON A REGULAR PICK-UP SCHEDULE AND BE PUNCTUAL
    Each pooler should know when and where to meet the schoolpool every day. Agree to wait five to ten minutes for all poolers to arrive. Be sure to call your poolers if you are running late.


  4. KEEP YOUR FELLOW SCHOOLPOOLERS' HOME AND WORK PHONE NUMBERS HANDY
    That way you can notify them when your student(s) will not be going to school, or in cases of emergency. Let pool partners know if your student will miss a day's ride, either to or from school.


  5. KEEP YOUR CAR IN GOOD MECHANICAL CONDITION
    Perform all regular maintenance to reduce emissions and prevent breakdowns. For more information, check out the Car Care 101 booklet.


  6. SELECT AN AFTERNOON MEETING SPOT OR HAVE THE SCHOOL DESIGNATE ONE
    All of the students in the SchoolPool should know exactly where and when to meet the driver after school. The spot should be in a safe area from which it is easy for them to get into the car and that doesn't require crossing the street, if possible. To ease traffic in the parking lot, see if the school will designate a SchoolPool loading and unloading zone.


  7. CONSULT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT
    Find out if your company offers lower rates for reduced driving or requires increased coverage for higher liability limits. Discuss with other drivers to find out if their coverage is adequate. Use this opportunity to address safety and driving records.


  8. PLAN TO RUN YOUR ERRANDS ON YOUR OWN TIME
    Your SchoolPool is for taking children to school. Stopping for "quick errands" on the way can drastically increase commute time and lessen the value of carpooling.


  9. LAY A FEW GROUND RULES
    Set some rules on anything, such as radio station and volume, that may make the commute uncomfortable.


  10. ESTABLISH A POLICY FOR DRIVER REIMBURSEMENT
    SchoolPools work best when everyone contributes to the carpool's operation and receives equal benefit. Agree upon a cost per mile for gas, add parking fees and divide by the number of riders in your pool. Schedule payments on a weekly or monthly basis. Or if everyone takes turns driving, you shouldn't need to calculate driving expenses.


Last updated on October 03, 2008