Lift clubs
Instead of having one person driving one car to work, why not share the commute with others? You will save petrol money, help the environment by reducing emissions, and decrease traffic.
Why join a lift club?
Lift clubs can take a few forms. You could either use one car, driven by one driver, or each lift clubber takes turns driving his or her own car.
There are many reasons to join a lift club:
- Save money by sharing – depending on the amount of people in the lift club you could save up to a quarter of what you spend on fuel.
- Fewer cars on the road means less pollution, which means healthier air.
- It’s a good way to reduce your stress levels – when it’s not your turn to drive, you will have time to relax.
- You can meet new friends and colleagues.
Safety tips when joining a lift club
Here are a few hints and tips for people who are either considering joining existing networking services and other service providers, or starting/joining a new lift club:
- Do not give your home address when you enter your contact details.
- Agree to meet the person offering or wanting a lift in a secure location (such as a public place) – not your home.
- Agree to terms before starting the lift club, including payment (reimbursement of petrol costs), lift times, etc.
- Make sure the driver has a valid driver’s license.
- Make sure the car is in a reasonable condition.
- Get the details of where the driver works and check the facts by phoning the driver’s work for confirmation.
- If you are a woman, you may want to join a lift club with other women.
- A lift club is an informal arrangement and not a business – don’t try running a taxi service.
- Let your family and friends know the details of your lift club arrangements.
- Don’t accept the lift if your driver has been drinking alcohol or drives badly.
- Always have an emergency back-up plan in case your lift fails for some reason.
Top tip
Be sure to have a friend come with you on your first journey to make sure that you feel safe with the person lifting you.
Rules and licences
Drivers and the cars they use for their lift clubs must obey all the usual laws concerning cars, including traffic rules, insurance, vehicle licensing, driver licensing and vehicle maintenance. If you are thinking of forming a lift club, you should ensure the lift club is legal under the
National Land Transport Act, 2009 (NLTA) and the
Road Accident Fund (RAF) Act of 1996.
Please note
If you are charging to make a profit, then you need to apply for an operating licence for your car and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) from your local Public Transport Authority. For more information call
021 483 0292 /
021 483 0282.
Lift club drivers can recoup the costs of petrol from their fellow passengers as long as the costs are split evenly and there is no profit involved.
You can apply for an operating licence through the
Western Cape government. You would also have to apply for a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) at any driving licence testing centre. Follow the City Connect link below to find out how to apply for a PDP.
If you are providing a vehicle for a lift club, please check requirements according to the insurance company through which you insure yourself and your vehicle. Please also check the terms and conditions should another member of the lift club drive your vehicle.
City transport information
The Transport Information Centre (TIC)
Our Transport Information Centre (TIC) provides information on routes, schedules, ticket prices, ticket outlets and locations of interchanges, ranks and Park-and-Ride facilities, long distance bus, rail and taxi operators, the location of tourist information centres, heritage sites, and popular attractions in and around Cape Town.
Contact us
Urban Mobility
Visit
our department page for more information on transport options in the city, and how we develop and sustain excellence in our transport systems.
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