New Year, New Commute: Setting Up Regular Rides for 2023

The new year is when people rethink their routines. Gym memberships spike. Budgets get attention. And for many commuters, January is when the daily grind feels particularly painful.

If you've been meaning to find a better way to get to work, now is the time.

Why January Is Ideal for Commute Planning

Schedules stabilize. After the holiday chaos, work schedules settle back into predictable patterns. You know when you need to be where.

Energy for change is high. You're more likely to put effort into building new routines now than in March.

Drivers are looking too. Other people are also thinking about their commutes. The pool of potential ride partners is larger.

You can see what's not working. That post-holiday return to a frustrating commute makes the problems clear.

Steps to Set Up Your 2023 Commute

Step 1: Map Your Actual Needs

Don't just think about your ideal commute. Think about your real one:

• What time do you actually need to arrive at work?
• How much variation is there in your schedule?
• How many days per week are you in the office?
• Are there regular appointments or obligations that affect timing?

Be honest. A coordinated commute works best when both parties understand the real schedule.

Step 2: Identify Potential Drivers

Think through your networks:

• Coworkers who live in your area
• Neighbors who work in the same general direction
• Friends and acquaintances who commute similar routes
• Professional networks (industry groups, alumni connections)

Even if you don't know a driver directly, someone you know might have a recommendation.

Step 3: Have the Conversation

Reaching out feels awkward the first time. Here's a simple approach:

"Hey, I'm looking to coordinate rides to [destination]. I noticed you live nearby and work in that direction. Would you be interested in being a paid driver for my commute?"

Key points:

• Be clear that you're talking about paid rides, not free favors
• Explain that they set the price
• Suggest a trial period to see if schedules align

Step 4: Try Before You Commit

Don't lock into a long-term arrangement immediately. Start with:

• A few rides to test the route and timing
• Discussion about what works and what doesn't
• Agreement on regular schedule only after both parties are comfortable

Step 5: Establish the Routine

Once you've found a good fit:

• Set a regular schedule (same time, same pickup spot, same days)
• Agree on pricing that works for both parties
• Create communication norms (how you'll handle changes, delays, cancellations)
• Pay consistently using Private Rides for secure, trackable transactions

Common January Resolutions for Commuters

"I'll spend less on commuting." Coordinated rides often cost less than ride-hailing, especially when you factor out surge pricing. Do the math for your route.

"I'll reduce stress." Having a consistent driver eliminates the daily uncertainty of ride-hailing or the tension of driving yourself in traffic.

"I'll use the time better." When someone else drives, you can read, work, or just decompress. Commute time becomes useful time.

"I'll be more reliable." When your transportation is consistent, so is your arrival time. That matters for work and for life.

Making It Stick

The difference between a January resolution that works and one that fades:

Start simple. Don't try to optimize everything at once. Find one driver for one route and make it work.

Be patient. The first arrangement might not be perfect. Adjust timing, pricing, or logistics as needed.

Communicate openly. If something isn't working, say so. Good coordination requires honest conversation.

Appreciate the relationship. A driver who shows up reliably is valuable. Treat them accordingly.

Your January Challenge

This week, do one thing toward a better commute:

• Make a list of people who might drive your route
• Calculate what you currently spend on commuting
• Post a ride on Private Rides to see who responds
• Ask a friend if they know any drivers in your area

One action is enough to start. The routine builds from there.