Guidelines
Rules & Expectations
Whether you're driving or riding — on Travel or a Daytrip — these shared expectations keep CATpools safe, respectful, and reliable. Also review our Terms & Conditions.
General rules and expectations
- Communicate with your group in a timely manner.
- Be transparent — share plans and expectations early on.
- Be flexible with and respectful of departure and arrival times.
- If you are sick, communicate that to your carpool group and make a plan for travel together. (UVM Student Health Services)
- If you cannot follow these rules and expectations, we are at liberty to remove your account from the platform and restrict your access.
Important Acknowledgment
We do not check drivers' personal driving history, registration, or insurance. We expect drivers and riders to transparently communicate these things to one another. Use your best discretion.
Travel and Daytrips
CATpools come in two kinds. The same seat, request, and safety expectations apply to both.
Travel
- City-to-city trips — going home, breaks, and longer hops. Partial rides (pickup or drop-off along the route) are OK.
- Confirm the departure time and any return time the driver listed. Travel may be one-way.
Daytrips
- Outings and errands (hikes, groceries, concerts, airport runs). Everyone rides origin to destination — no partial segments. Place names are for the group; maps use city centers.
- If a return time is listed, plan to be back with the group. Daytrips are typically same-day round trips.
Passenger expectations
- Be a safe passenger and do not distract your driver.
- Split costs when asked to, and in a prompt manner.
- On Travel pools, facilitate transportation from your drop-off point if you are not being taken directly to your destination. Daytrips are always origin to destination.
- Follow your driver's instructions.
- For example: if a driver communicates that they have space for you to bring 1 suitcase, honor that.
- Be a respectful passenger:
- Meet your driver on time.
- Do not leave any possession or trash in their vehicle.
- Communicate any issues up front.
Driver expectations
- Drive safely.
- Review your route before leaving.
- Communicate how you want to split costs before leaving.
- Keep logistics in mind:
- Plan your route, especially if you have multiple Travel stops.
- Note the size and storage of your vehicle and communicate luggage capacity to your passengers.
- Be aware if your drive is long — you will need to plan stops for restrooms, meals, and movement.
- Be a respectful driver:
- Meet your passengers on time.
- Communicate with your group any expectations and/or non-negotiables up front.
- Do not leave a passenger at a location they did not agree to be dropped off at.