Commuter Profile
Name: Chris Stanfield
Works at: Sprint
Lives in: Topeka, Kan.
Commutes to: Overland Park, Kan.
Commute mode: Carpools with four other people
His story: An accountant by training, Chris has estimated his commute savings to the penny. By sharing the ride to work, he figures he spends 9 cents per mile. If he drove alone, he says, “it would be five times that.”
The desire to save on commuting is what attracted Chris to carpooling in February 2001. Carpool members have changed over the years; currently he rides with another Topeka resident and three Lawrence residents. They take turns driving to work each day.
Best thing about carpooling: Saving money and relaxing during the commute. “I can read the paper, snooze,” Chris says.
Biggest drawback: Having to rely on others to get to work on time. “It’s no longer your schedule, it’s the group’s schedule,” he says.
However, that drawback has actually paid off in an unforeseen way. Chris says he keeps more regular work hours – and even goes to bed earlier – to keep the carpool schedule running smoothly. “What are you going to wear and who’s driving are the first two questions I ask myself when I get up,” he says.
Advice for prospective carpoolers: For a larger carpool, it’s good to have set guidelines in place. “We have the rule – we’ll wait 10 minutes,” he says. It’s also wise to have a backup plan to handle last-minute scheduling changes.