If you’re looking for a simple way to reduce parking costs and ease the hassle of city driving, carpooling is a smart move. Sharing rides isn’t just great for cutting down fuel expenses — it also helps you save significantly on parking fees, especially in urban areas where parking spaces are limited and pricey.
Even better, you can stretch those savings further by pairing carpooling with cashback tools like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, which offer deals and cashback rewards on parking services and gas station purchases. Let’s take a closer look at how carpooling can transform your daily commute and help you park smarter.
Why Carpooling Cuts Parking Costs
The math is simple. Fewer cars mean fewer parking spaces needed — and fewer parking fees to pay. If you normally drive solo to work, teaming up with even one coworker can instantly cut your parking expenses in half. Add a third person to the mix, and your daily parking costs shrink to a third.
Many cities also reward carpooling by offering dedicated parking spots for high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs), which tend to be closer to building entrances and sometimes discounted or even free in select lots. For example, San Francisco’s Casual Carpool program offers designated carpool spaces during peak hours.
Pair Carpooling with Cashback Apps for Maximum Savings
Here’s where things get even better: use cashback platforms like Fluz to buy discounted gift cards for parking services or gas stations before your commute. You’ll earn instant cashback at the time of purchase, reducing your costs even further.
Rakuten and Ibotta frequently feature parking providers and fuel deals. Before you book your spot or fill your tank, activate these offers to stack rewards on top of your carpool savings.
Carpooling Also Saves Time
Parking lots often fill up fast during peak commuting hours, and finding multiple spaces for multiple cars can be a hassle. When you carpool, you’re only looking for one spot — meaning less time circling the block or queuing in crowded garages.
Plus, with fewer cars in your carpool group, you’re doing your part to reduce traffic congestion in busy urban cores. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your schedule.
How to Set Up an Effective Carpool
- Coordinate Schedules: Align start and end times with your carpool partners to avoid delays.
- Decide on Parking Arrangements: Research lots that accommodate carpoolers or offer flat rates that are easy to split.
- Share Costs Equally: Use payment apps to split parking fees and fuel costs fairly.
- Plan Backup Options: In case one driver is unavailable, have an alternate plan ready.
For more assistance, try apps like Waze Carpool or Splt, which help match drivers and riders with similar commutes.
Bonus Tip: Use Apps to Reserve Parking in Advance
Once your carpool group is set, take advantage of parking reservation apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz to secure your spot ahead of time. Not only does this guarantee you a space, but you’ll also often find better rates for pre-booked parking — especially when combined with cashback rewards.
