Ask any metro city resident, and they'll probably be able to tell you all about Rideshare, if they haven't used it, then they are almost certainly apt to know names such as Uber and Lyft. Uber, which provides service in 55 countries and almost every major city on the continent (Lyft not quite as many), is focused on community destinations, almost like a taxi, but without the yellow signs.
But neither focus on the long distance rider, those people who are constantly making their way to and from different regions of the Northwest. For them, (or at this point I could confidently say us), it's a budget guessing game. It usually starts with a glance at Amtrak, Priceline and Greyhound. Only to learn that Amtrak, while awesome, is few and far between in the Western States and Greyhound, is becoming virtually non-existent in others. If you're lucky enough to live in Montana, flying anywhere can be really pricey. But for some it isn't about price, they'll probably check prices anyway, but it's mostly about the experience.
In August of 2011, I set about looking for a rideshare, my destination was Portland via Seattle from Montana. I was feeling like I was trying to have control of absolutely everything. Inevitably, it was tearing me to pieces. I kept hearing, I needed to let it go. Perhaps virtual hitchhiking was a bit extreme, but in my mind, giving up all control seemed to be the answer. That trip was an ultimate game changer in the way I view my world. It was absolutely amazing.
But neither focus on the long distance rider, those people who are constantly making their way to and from different regions of the Northwest. For them, (or at this point I could confidently say us), it's a budget guessing game. It usually starts with a glance at Amtrak, Priceline and Greyhound. Only to learn that Amtrak, while awesome, is few and far between in the Western States and Greyhound, is becoming virtually non-existent in others. If you're lucky enough to live in Montana, flying anywhere can be really pricey. But for some it isn't about price, they'll probably check prices anyway, but it's mostly about the experience.
In August of 2011, I set about looking for a rideshare, my destination was Portland via Seattle from Montana. I was feeling like I was trying to have control of absolutely everything. Inevitably, it was tearing me to pieces. I kept hearing, I needed to let it go. Perhaps virtual hitchhiking was a bit extreme, but in my mind, giving up all control seemed to be the answer. That trip was an ultimate game changer in the way I view my world. It was absolutely amazing.
Ridesharing isn't as cut and dry as hitchhiking. You have the opportunity to get a feel for your passenger or driver before you go. Most are set after the travelers have either talked a great deal via phone, internet or in ideal situations, face to face. An itinerary is created and information exchanged to be given to a non traveling contact.
One of the things, I've noticed about riders and drivers, is there seems to be a list of unspoken rules and very spoken questions. Almost all are based around things that wouldn't usually cross your mind when meeting someone in any other setting. Realistically, I would never walk up to another person and inform them that I have good hygiene. But in a rideshare situation, you'd better believe if they don't offer, I'm asking. I've yet to ride with someone I'm not somewhat compatible with. My first ride I rode a bus almost 100 miles to meet up with my 5 am ride to Seattle. An older laid back lady, with an open mind and a kind heart, she had though ahead and prepared a warm breakfast and coffee, to start out the day with. Prior to the ride, we exchanged questions and answers, talked on the phone, sent info via fax and continued this "learning" of each other well into the drive.
In Ridesharing, you learn respect, you learn compromise and you learn etiquette, in a way, it's like the 60's never left when it comes to life on the road. Basic respect still wins out at the end of the day. Sharing is still smiled upon. And a good conversation is worth it's weight in gold.
One of the things, I've noticed about riders and drivers, is there seems to be a list of unspoken rules and very spoken questions. Almost all are based around things that wouldn't usually cross your mind when meeting someone in any other setting. Realistically, I would never walk up to another person and inform them that I have good hygiene. But in a rideshare situation, you'd better believe if they don't offer, I'm asking. I've yet to ride with someone I'm not somewhat compatible with. My first ride I rode a bus almost 100 miles to meet up with my 5 am ride to Seattle. An older laid back lady, with an open mind and a kind heart, she had though ahead and prepared a warm breakfast and coffee, to start out the day with. Prior to the ride, we exchanged questions and answers, talked on the phone, sent info via fax and continued this "learning" of each other well into the drive.
In Ridesharing, you learn respect, you learn compromise and you learn etiquette, in a way, it's like the 60's never left when it comes to life on the road. Basic respect still wins out at the end of the day. Sharing is still smiled upon. And a good conversation is worth it's weight in gold.
8 Steps to a safe and friendly rideshare.
1. Locate a rider or driver: Several websites offer these services such as Craigslist.org, Rdvouz.com (This is a new one but it sets out alerts for riders or drivers on your whole trip length ) among a few others.
2. Destinations: Double check that the Driver or rider has the same destination in mind. You wouldn't want to be heading to Springfield Illinois and the Driver is only going to Springfield Missouri.
3. Get to know each other, use all forms of connections to get to know the person, including calling, meeting in a public space first and Facebook. It is not bad etiquette to use Facebook, Google or Bing to search for the other person. After all you are putting some precious cargo in their hands. Some Red Flags: No hits on Google (people with common names are more difficult to find) No Facebook or a very new Facebook page. Aversions to questions (All info should be an open book at this point) If I ask why are you going to LA? There should be an answer. People looking for a very specific person. like "looking for a female companion to ride from Bend-to LA, mid 20's-30's" Ride sharing isn't a dating service. I'm sure more then a few relationships of various kinds have sprouted up, but it's not the point of the thing.
4.Read reviews or get references. Yeah it's a thing, sites like Rdvous, give riders and drivers the opportunity to leave reviews, if the driver/ rider is new, they'll let you know, if they haven't been on a rideshare site but have done rideshares see if they know how to contact previous travel partners. If not ask them to tell you about previous trips, they'd probably like to share their tales anyhow.
5. Choose someone who you are comfortable with, to do this, ask questions. What type of music do you like, Are you religious, Is smoking ok?, And yes, How is your hygiene, is perfectly acceptable. There is NOTHING worse then sitting in a car for 12 hours with someone who smells like piss, vinegar and BO. (You'll really only ask one question at that point, Why vinegar?)
6. Vehicle information: Ask to see license, registration and insurance, be sure that all of these match the person you are riding with. If there is a discrepancy, as why. Ask about how what the fuel mileage is, You can use Gasbuddy.com to get a rough feel for what the cost of fuel is. Depending on the trip length and how far out the trip is from the time check the site there could be a difference, but you can look to get a general idea. For a 1000 miles trip a week out, you may expect a 5-20.00 difference.
7. Expectations/costs: Let's be realistic, most people are not trying to get rich off rideshare, (though there are a few). A majority is just regular people going to a destination who don't want the high gas cost or don't want to drive alone, or just need a ride. be forthright and ask or tell what your cut of the fuel cost will be. Will the person pay up front, or rather pay half at each fill up. If there are stops, will you be splitting the cost of a 2 bed hotel or fully responsible for your own room. Or are you going to sleep in the car or camp!? Ask, ask, ask!
8. Leave a review! If you met on a review based site, leave a review, you'll help get others somewhere safe in the future and it earns you trust.
Have anymore tips? Just want to share your rideshare adventure.....Post in the comments below, I'd love to hear them!
2. Destinations: Double check that the Driver or rider has the same destination in mind. You wouldn't want to be heading to Springfield Illinois and the Driver is only going to Springfield Missouri.
3. Get to know each other, use all forms of connections to get to know the person, including calling, meeting in a public space first and Facebook. It is not bad etiquette to use Facebook, Google or Bing to search for the other person. After all you are putting some precious cargo in their hands. Some Red Flags: No hits on Google (people with common names are more difficult to find) No Facebook or a very new Facebook page. Aversions to questions (All info should be an open book at this point) If I ask why are you going to LA? There should be an answer. People looking for a very specific person. like "looking for a female companion to ride from Bend-to LA, mid 20's-30's" Ride sharing isn't a dating service. I'm sure more then a few relationships of various kinds have sprouted up, but it's not the point of the thing.
4.Read reviews or get references. Yeah it's a thing, sites like Rdvous, give riders and drivers the opportunity to leave reviews, if the driver/ rider is new, they'll let you know, if they haven't been on a rideshare site but have done rideshares see if they know how to contact previous travel partners. If not ask them to tell you about previous trips, they'd probably like to share their tales anyhow.
5. Choose someone who you are comfortable with, to do this, ask questions. What type of music do you like, Are you religious, Is smoking ok?, And yes, How is your hygiene, is perfectly acceptable. There is NOTHING worse then sitting in a car for 12 hours with someone who smells like piss, vinegar and BO. (You'll really only ask one question at that point, Why vinegar?)
6. Vehicle information: Ask to see license, registration and insurance, be sure that all of these match the person you are riding with. If there is a discrepancy, as why. Ask about how what the fuel mileage is, You can use Gasbuddy.com to get a rough feel for what the cost of fuel is. Depending on the trip length and how far out the trip is from the time check the site there could be a difference, but you can look to get a general idea. For a 1000 miles trip a week out, you may expect a 5-20.00 difference.
7. Expectations/costs: Let's be realistic, most people are not trying to get rich off rideshare, (though there are a few). A majority is just regular people going to a destination who don't want the high gas cost or don't want to drive alone, or just need a ride. be forthright and ask or tell what your cut of the fuel cost will be. Will the person pay up front, or rather pay half at each fill up. If there are stops, will you be splitting the cost of a 2 bed hotel or fully responsible for your own room. Or are you going to sleep in the car or camp!? Ask, ask, ask!
8. Leave a review! If you met on a review based site, leave a review, you'll help get others somewhere safe in the future and it earns you trust.
Have anymore tips? Just want to share your rideshare adventure.....Post in the comments below, I'd love to hear them!