It's not like the Texas Institute for Transportation is telling you something you don't know already. If you hadn't guessed it by now, they have labeled Washington D.C. the #1 most congested traffic area in the country.
28.3% of us have commutes longer than 45 minutes every day!
The D.C. Beltway is legendary for its ability to cause residents frustration. What has made things worse over the last few years is increased suburban sprawl. This has put additional stress on roadways because very few of the area's new housing developments link up with the Washington metropolitan train system, which services the District of Columbia and immediate suburbs very well, but doesn't link up to most of the Virginia and Maryland population centers.
Many DC commuters have found relief via carpooling. It is also a great way to save on gas and you can make new friends by singing along to your favorite BIG 100.3 music on the ride home.
There are some questions out there as to what makes a successful carpool. Our friends at Commuter Connection have offered some tips for maximizing your experience in the carpool lane.
Determine Your Route and Schedule. Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate a place(s) to meet for the trip home.
Draw Up a Schedule for Driving Responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Establish a Method for Reimbursing Driving Expenses. If the members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.
Be Punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a ride is running a few minutes late.
Establish Policies. Smoking or non-smoking; music and volume; food and drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially.
Make Carpooling Serve One Purpose. If it is for commuting to and from work, do not let it become a shopping or errand service.
Establish a Chain of Communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members or the carpool will have a ride. If a rider is ill or will not be working, the driver must be contracted as soon as possible.
Drive Carefully and Keep the Vehicle in Good Repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean and safe. Since there are others involved there should be no excuses for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless maneuvers.
Respect Your Fellow Carpooler's Wishes. This is especially important in the morning when some people like quiet time.
If You Lose a Member of the Carpool, call Commuter Connections at 1-800-745-RIDE for help in finding a replacement. Together we can save money, time and the environment while reducing traffic congestion.
It's not like the Texas Institute for Transportation is telling you something you don't know already. If you hadn't guessed it by now, they have labeled Washington D.C. the #1 most congested traffic area in the country.
Be Punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a ride is running a few minutes late. 
© 2008