Who will drive?
Determine if one person will drive, or if the responsibility will rotate. If rotating, determine the schedule. You'll want to be sure that the driver carries adequate insurance.

When will you meet?
People's work schedules are often more flexible than you think. However, it's best to agree on a time schedule and establish rules for latecomers before you begin carpooling. Nothing can disrupt a happy carpool faster than chronically late riders!

Where will you meet?
Determine drop-off and pick-up points. Carpoolers can pick each other up at home, or can meet at a mutually convenient location (such as a Park and Ride lot).

Decide the dollars.
If the members of the carpool do not share the driving equally, determine how the costs will be shared. Agree when fares will be collected and stick to it.

Get comfortable.
Carpoolers who don't know each other sometimes feel more comfortable meeting their prospective carpool for coffee first. It's a good time to review your possible carpool arrangements and ask any questions you have.

What happens if you're ill, oversleep, or have mechanical problems?
Decide ahead of time how to handle such situations. Decide who is notified if someone is late or ill, and ensure that each member has a copy of the home, work, or cell phone numbers. If one of your carpool partners makes a career out of being ten minutes late, agree early on how long drivers should wait at each stop.

Agree on the little things . . .
Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference. Decide if the radio will be played, and whether smoking, food, or beverages will be permitted. Consider also if perfume/cologne usage will be allowed, as many people are highly sensitive to certain smells and can become extremely uncomfortable.