A free system (semi-free now) of transportation in the Bay Area? Who would have thunk it?
In theory, casual carpool represents the fundamentals of utopia. It brings a community together from different areas and encourages interaction and socialization. It unifies people and capitalizes on their common goal (getting to work and back home safely for a very small fee). So as most theories go, this is and can be what casual carpool could be if not for human nature and the elements presented by the Bay Area.
First off, while I can take casual carpool I would not subject my wife to it on her own. There are some weirdos out there and women can be easily victimized. For the women who do casual carpool regularly...a lot of common sense, practicality, and self defense is necessary. I have yet to encounter a moment wherein someone's life was threatened in any fashion like what I am eluding to, but the danger exists. Keep it real. Women, please be cautious and protect yourselves. Ride with buddies and never with two men, especially if they pull up together.
So I'm a cheapskate and for me this method of transportation is convenient. I'm a big dude and I'm pretty confident no one is going to try and take advantage of me. Don't get me wrong either, there are lots of great people who pool. The greater percentage of people are awesome people. But there are A-holes and there are some really moody, crappy people.
If you can handle yourself and don't mind riding with strangers, then you should do it. But you do have to put up with cramped spaces, hot/stuffy environments, bad breath, terrible conversations, bad music, terrible scents (weed, body funk), BS, horrific drivers, and crazies every now and then. For the most part you get to ride in a decent car non stop for a $1.25 one way. Who can beat that? It's not the ferry and isn't the same comforting safe place as your own vehicle but it's reliable as long as 80 stays accident free.
I've met some pretty cool people here and I am in full support of keeping this system pure. But drivers who pick up, please stop picking people from the line. Take the next person(s). Keep it fair. read more