Twitter buzzing today with discussions about the #liftfairy hashtag; this topic has been trending in light of the Bus Éireann strike underway. #liftfairy offers people the opportunity to hitch a lift with someone or to offer free seats on a journey they are undertaking. This is an excellent idea, and in our opinion a wonderful show of support and communities working together.

However, although carpooling can be great it is essential that everyone taking part is very careful and that they let someone know where they are are going and with whom. 

If you are the driver offering a lift; 

•  Make sure you have the full name and phone number of the person you are offering a lift to.
• Ask to see some ID and make sure the picture matches the face.
• Tell a friend who you will be travelling with and what time you expect to arrive.

 If you are taking a lift:

•  Tell someone where you are going and what you are doing.
• Note the ID and the registration number of whomever you are accepting the lift from. It might be a good idea to send these to a friend or relative.
• And finally be nice, maybe bring biscuits for the journey!

 The vast majority of people out there are honest and decent, by in large we all just want to help each other out and make life that little bit easier. Even so, it is essential to recognise that there are some strange and unpleasant people out there. It is a sad fact of life but young women especially have to be careful.

 If you are looking for a more structured option when it comes to Carpooling, the Avego app has been launched recently. You may have seen this on RTÉ’s Dragon’s Den; the app allow users to find people travelling to the same destination at the same time, using this app the cost of the journey is shared between driver and passenger, and there is an option to rate how the journey went.

 #liftfairy has highlighted the truly admirable quality of generosity in so many people, but safety must at all times be the primary concern. Keep your loved ones informed of your plans and look after yourself.

 Insurance & Payment:

 Quite a few people have asked us about this today. The rule is that you may carry up to four people and you may accept a contribution from them for the cost of your fuel but no more. If you stick to that then you will not be breaking any rules and you will not affect your insurance. If you try to charge more though then you are carrying people ‘for hire or reward’, which you cannot do in a private car with private insurance.