Frequently asked questions

We've had a bunch of questions fired our way - and we've summarised some of the answers to the common ones below!

What is Hitch?

Hitch is a website that connects people for carpooling. It makes carpooling super easy and removes the administrative burden involved in organising carpooling.

Why sign up for Hitch?

Its climate positive! New Zealand needs to reduce its transport emissions by 41% in the next 14 years to help stop a climate disaster. Carpooling is a great way to reduce emissions. Our Hitchers also say Hitch:

Is a great way to meet and connect with new people
It helps reduce the high costs of commuting
It provides more options for commuting

What products does Hitch have?

Hitch has two products available for you.

Hitch a Ride long distance travel - A carpooling solution that finds and connect people in the South Island for inter-regional carpooling
Hitch workplace commuting assessment - Assists workplaces to understand, reduce and track commuting related emissions over time. This is a useful input for sustainability reporting

We also have two more products. We've been live in Wellington with these, but while everyone goes on holiday, we're hitting the pause button with these until 2022.

Hitch workplace carpooling programme - Finds and connects people from the same or neighbouring businesses heading the same way at the same time. The workplace programme also gives workplaces a dashboard with metrics and reporting for workplaces to keep track of the usage, carbon emissions saved from carpooling, and user satisfaction
Hitch public commuting carpooling network - Finds and connects commuters heading the same way at the same time for carpooling. This is currently on hold until next year!

How do I sign up?

For our Hitch a Ride long distance offering, fill in the form here. If you're booking as a driver, you'll need your drivers license, a profile pic and car rego number. If you're booking as a passenger you'll just need some form of ID and a profile pic
For the workplace carpooling or commuting assessment please fill in our contact form
Our commuting offering is currently on hold for the summer break! Get hyped for 2022!

How do I know this is safe?

We check that the driver is fully licensed through collecting the photos of their license. We also run drivers car registration through an NZTA check that shows the expiry dates of the registration and WoF. We also collect identification from all users in case something goes horribly wrong!

What do I do if I feel another user has breached the rules?

Please report this immediately to Hitch. You can report this by emailing claudia@hitcharie.co.nz

How will Hitch manage any reports of rule breaking?

Hitch takes these reports very seriously. We will look into any reports within 1 working day. We will not hesitate to remove individuals from our platform who demonstrate any behaviour contrary to our terms of use and code of conduct.

How much does it cost to Hitch A Ride?

Passengers will contribute a maximum of $0.73 per kilometer towards the drivers costs (inline with the NZ Cost Sharing Regulations). Drivers set a rate per seat for passengers when booking this. Hitch will also charge a $5 booking fee to cover our costs - such as transaction fees. When you receive an email confirming your carpool, you'll also see what your cost contribution will be for the trip.

How do the payments work?

When you confirm you’ll be provided with some payment instructions via email. You’ll have 48 hours to pay to confirm your spot. Hitch will withhold drivers payment until the trip has taken place. Hitch will pay this money on a weekly basis. It is the driver’s responsibility to provide bank account details.

What happens if someone cancels or is late?

We understand that sometimes sh*t happens and drivers or passengers will be late or need to cancel at the last minute. We encourage everyone to have a back up plan just in case. We also keep a eye on the number of cancellations each person makes in the background. If the cancellation number is getting out of hand, we get in touch with this person.

Who can use Hitch?

There are a few basic requirements that you can read about in our terms of service, but basically anyone over 18 years of age with a valid COVID-19 vaccine pass can sign up for Hitch. If you are wanting to drive, you'll need to show us your full drivers license and your car registration number.

Do I need a P-endorsement or special insurance to drive?

Nope you don't need a P-endorsement and shouldn't need special insurance. You’re not using Hitch to make a profit or as a business. It’s no different to picking up a neighbour on your way to work - just Kiwis helping Kiwis. If you're concerned, you should ring insurance provider to be sure.

How can my workplace sign up for Hitch?

Hitch has a workplace carpooling programme that matches people within a workplace (or neighbouring workplace) heading in the same direction at the same time. Drop us a line through our contact form at the bottom of our home page if you think your workplace might be keen.

What are the benefits of the Hitch workplace offering?

For many workplaces, commuting can be the largest contributor towards their carbon emissions. Hitch is a great way to reduce these emissions. Each workplace also receives a dashboard with metrics and reporting. Hitch's benefits extend beyond sustainability:

Provides a unique employee benefit by reducing pain points employees experience with commuting
Can reduce the strain on parking
Reduces travel inequities. Giving employees another option, where public or active transport isn't one
Great way to simulate watercooler scenarios

Does my workplace have to be a large employer to sign up for the Hitch workplace offering?

Doesn't matter how big or small your workplace is, there is generally a way for you to get involved. You can drop us a line to find out more via the contact form on our home page.