What is Carpling?
Carpling is an Internet site that allows you to meet new people in order to share similar routes and, at the same time, save gas, reduce traffic and pollution.
It incorporates an advanced search engine that shows you only the information that you need. It is, possibly, the most advanced search engine of it's kind (06/2011) as it not only searches for matches in the origin and destination, but also throughout the whole route, largely increasing your chances of finding someone to share your trip with.
If you drive, you can pick up people along the way. If you're a passenger and you're in another driver's route, you can ask to join him. It can be done for short distances as well as longer ones.
Carpling comes from the Anglo-Saxon terminology "carpooling" that means "gathering in a car" and sharing it. The goal is to make cities more sustainable and making a responsible use of energy (oil).
What is the advantage of searching for people over the entire route?
By widening the search area, the possibilities of finding trip partners will increase. Thus, you will have several options of partners to choose from and you can also choose the route that suits your needs best.
For instance, if you're landing in an airport that is considerably far from your final destination, the chances of finding someone with whom to share a taxi or someone who is going to the same place are quite slim. However, if you can drop someone off along the way or if you're on someone's itinerary, the chances of finding a partner increase. Sharing a taxi at the airport is not only a way to save money but also to save time, something that is very important specially if you're travelling for business.
Furthermore, if the route that Google® offers you isn't what you really need, you can change it as you wish. The search engine will take these changes in consideration when it shows you possible partners.
Remember that the indicated schedules are based on normal traffic conditions and always on the speed limits allowed by the Law. If you believe that there will be more traffic than usual on your itinerary or that you're going to travel at a speed that isn't recommended or established, the time estimates might change. In order to acknowledge this possibility, you can increase the margin of time in your schedule.
How do I cancel my account and what happens to my personal data if I do so?
Cancelling your account is just as easy as creating it. At the bottom of the page you can find the "delete account" link that you should be able to see if you've accessed the site using your account. Once you've sent us the cancellation request, we'll reply with an email where you'll find a link to confirm you want to cancel your access to Carpling.
Once you've confirmed the cancellation, all your data will be deleted from our database and will not be retrievable.
What are the restrictions of this site?
In order to prevent an abusive use of Carpling's resources, the number of daily searches has been limited to 30. The number of routes is also limited to five per user. Carplig.com is free to apply other restrictions in order to guarantee an efficient service for its users.
Why was Carpling created?
Carpling was created to satisfy the needs that modern life imposes on every citizen. We believe that the establishment and development of this project contributes to more sustainable cities, to reduce traffic, to lessen the need for gas, to decrease pollution, to saving money and also… to meet new people!
How long in advance should I publish my route?
With enough time to get to the meeting point where you'll pick up or join your travelling partner. As the search engine shows you the best results immediately, there is no need of wasting time analyzing all the options.
How much does Carpling get involved?
Carpling is the meeting point of travellers, putting in contact people whose routes can be shared. However, it isn't an intermediary or an organizer of these routes. Carpling moderates the comments that are made by the users on their experiences. Furthermore, it allows the users to block or to show their data to others when they do their searches.
Is it safe to share a car with someone I don't know?
As anything you do for the first time, sharing a car with a stranger isn't absolutely free of danger. However, there are many mechanisms nowadays that allow users to confirm the identity of the people that contact them or that they contact through Carpling. Through social networks it is very easy to verify and confirm who they are, and possibly you'll have friends in common or maybe you'll already know each other :-).
Why do I have to register to get in touch with other users?
The main reason why we only show your data to people who find you in their searches and that are registered and willing to show who they are, is your safety and privacy. You need to be registered with a valid email account to be able to get in touch with other users. Thus, if there is any abusive behaviour, Carpling can take adequate measures in order to guarantee the quality of the service.
Pre-set options and trip directory
We put a trip directory at your disposal so you can quickly and easily access a specific trip you take often.
Some practical advice.
Use social networks to meet the people before you make a trip.
If you publish your phone number and a photo you'll have more chances of someone getting in touch with you as you'll inspire more trust.
Be respectful and cordial, don't be late and don't do anything you wouldn't want done to you. Respect the rules of the vehicle's owner. If the vehicle is yours, let the passengers know about your rules.
When you publish a route it isn't necessary to indicate the exact address, you can indicate a nearby reference. This way you don't have to tell your travelling partner where you live and it can be more convenient to them as well.
You can use "Street View" to become familiar with the meeting point.
Don't forget to follow all traffic rules. Use the seatbelt, don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and don't exceed speed limits. Remember that it is forbidden to travel with luggage on the back seat.
Instructions and operation.
Below you will find a detailed explanation of all the fields and functions that are incorporated in this search engine. You can use this explanation as a reference in case you have any doubts.
A.- Publish / search route screen (https://www.carpling.com/us)
1. For a visiting user that isn't registered or hasn't accessed the system.
2. For a registered user that has accessed the system with his or her email and password.
In this case, the exact same fields described above are shown, with exception of the "Show matches in origin/destination" and "Show matches through the entire route" icons, which will be replaced with another two that will be explained next. The following will also appear:
B.- My saved routes file
This file is purely informative; it shows you the saved routes and allows you to access the details of possible travel partners through the link "possible partners where found". By clicking on this link you'll see a list of possible travel partners and their routes' details.
C.- My contacts file
When some contacts you or when you contact someone, this user automatically joins your contact list and vice-versa. Later you will be able to evaluate your experience with this user, as well as rate it. This evaluation is bound to the review of a moderator in order to avoid inappropriate content. Other users will be able to view this evaluation and rating when you appear as a result of their searches. A positive evaluation always increases the possibilities of being contacted, so don't forget to be punctual and cordial when sharing a route.
Vanessa is looking for a lift (once only).
11 hours ago
Emad has just met Shivanand to save money and resources.
23 hours ago
Emad is looking for a lift (once only).
23 hours ago
Laura is looking for a lift (daily).
1 day ago
Malena is looking for a parking place to share expenses.
2 days ago
Zafar is looking for a lift (once only).
2 days ago