Learning to ride together

Learning to Ride Together

 

Thank you for being a participant in the easy street® program and doing your part to reduce traffic and help the environment. Vanpooling is a community effort by those that choose to ride. Being in such close proximity to each other can sometimes create issues amongst the group.

 

Examples of this may be:

  • Lingering odor of a smoking habit on breath or clothing
  • Overpowering perfume or body wash
  • Radio playing too loudly or passenger is not happy with the station that is selected
  • Passenger is too hot or someone is too cold
  • Passengers leaving items, laptops, attaché cases, tote bags in the aisle.

 

There are solutions to all of these situations if everyone is considerate and works together.

  • If you wear perfume or use a strong body wash, please bring a small amount with you and apply it once you get into work or if the issue is the body wash please try to change to one that has a lighter scent. The strength should dissipate throughout the day, so that by time you are back on the van the scent should be faint.
  • If you smoke, please refrain from smoking before you board the vanpool. Smoke odor stays on clothing and causes distress to passengers that are sensitive. Please use breath mints or gum after smoking. All Easy Street vans are non-smoking vehicles.
  • The radio should be played at a moderate level, if it is still too loud for an individual, try wearing earplugs or bring a personal music player with ear buds to block out the sound.
  • As far as the choice in radio stations either set it to a station that all passengers are in agreement with or take turns listening to radio stations.
  • Please dress according to your own body temperature and remember there are other passengers on the van as well. If as a passenger you tend to be cold, dress in layers and bring a light weight flannel lap blanket. It will help keep your legs warm and hold in some body heat. If as a passenger you tend to be warm, dress light; try to sit away from the heat vents, and do not attempt to block, cover or tape the vents. Blocking vents can cause mechanical problems and cause the heat element to burn out. If you are able to sit near a window towards the back of the van, be considerate by asking surrounding riders if they would mind if the window can be open.
  • Passengers should never block the aisles with any type of item(s). A passenger exiting the van could trip, get hurt or break the item(s). Also, if the item(s) must be left in the van, please make sure it is tucked under a seat so the item(s) cannot be seen and cause someone to decide that it is worth breaking into the van to steal.

 

Vanpooling can be a pleasant experience if everyone is considerate of their fellow passengers. Drivers and back-up drivers are paramount to keeping the vanpool program running. If you do not participate in driving please work with your driver and recognize the service they are providing. If you find your driver/rider relationship challenging you can explore alternative commuter options by calling 1-800-972-EASY.

 

Vanpooling has great economic and environmental benefits. In addition, you can meet new people, have interesting conversations and enjoy the ride to work.

 

For more information on these topics please contact Kathleen Naples at 1-800-972-EASY or e-mail at knaples@rideshare.com

 

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