Timekeeping is everything

The single biggest thing that makes or breaks a carpool is punctuality. Being ready at the agreed time and place keeps the whole group on schedule. If your timing changes, tell the group in advance rather than holding everyone up.

Shared space, shared norms

Agree early on the small things — music, phone calls, food, air-conditioning, detours. Keep the car tidy and treat the driver’s vehicle with care. Settle your share on time. These are minor courtesies, but they are exactly what keeps a group riding together for months.