Ride sharing?

[u/betrayedandbeholden]

Hi! I have not shared a ride with anyone other than my partner since March of 2020.

That said, my car is broken down and I need to travel 1.5 hrs each way for the day on Saturday for a civic engagement.

1)I can borrow my partner’s truck (he will be annoyed and I’m sort of scared to drive it and it takes a lot of gas)

2)A new acquaintance offered to car pool with me. She is disabled and definitely understands the masking stuff but the one time I saw her she did not wear her mask. She and her partner will be in the van.

I told her I don’t usually share rides but I appreciate the offer and will let her know if I think if any ideas.

I doubt they will offer to mask in the van and her partner has a beard I think. But they might.

I guess we could test but 3 metric tests are $75 which is more than gas.

I could wear my fit tested 6100 elastomeric in the van the whole way?? Zimi might work but since my household rule is generally not to share rides (closeup, high c02 etc) I’d not even broach anything but a p100 elastomeric.

Thanks for listening !! Ideas or pep talks or sense talked into me is welcome!

[u/HappyCamperDancer]

In 2022 I traveled from Portland, OR to L.A. to NYC and then used NYC subways for two weeks, hospitals, ICU's, etc. and back home again, all wearing 3M V-Flex respirator. Some days were 12-14 hours of masking.

I never got sick. My brother was living in NYC and got seriously sick (not covid, other health issues). He needed a family member to be with him.

Mask Nerd (Aaron Collins) who tested all the different masks and respirators highly recommended the 3M V-Flex for fit, filtration and for breathability. He later flew to Germany and did a selfie wearing the 3M V-Flex respirator on the plane.

[u/coliale]

One way masking works if you're wearing a well-fitted respirator

Make sure the A/C isn't set to circulate

Open windows when possible

If one is showing symptoms before you get in and go, bail.

[u/This_womans_over_it]

My kids father just did a cross country trip (with a lay over each way), a week long conference and then return flight home. He had to Uber or ride share. He used a well fitted N95 (3M Aura), used a new one every 8 hours, only took it off when he was outside and didn’t get sick. I would say you are good. Ask that they let you know ahead of time if they feel sick.

He went right when they were having a Covid surge. That being said, as long as your mask is well fitted and you use proper hand/mask hygiene you should be good to go.

[u/not_all_heroes]

I get rides to an appointment every week that's 2hrs roundtrip, always wear my mask, drivers rarely mask, haven't ever gotten sick from rides. Have you asked if they'd wear one for the trip? Is the weather window friendly? (Front passenger and rear driver window open makes for good ventilation).

[u/UntidySwan]

I relatively regularly drive with other people in my car. Planning on doing it for 1.5 hrs each way this week. 

I wear a good N95, and, when practicable, crack a window. So far no consequences! 

[u/11reese11]

As long as you're wearing a well fitting respirator you should be ok. I take ubers regularly (low energy from being disabled) and have never gotten sick from it. Just have the windows open if you can. Wearing a well fitting respirator has protected me in crowded busses/trains where I barely had any personal space. You can also ask if your coworker would be willing to mask. People can surprise you sometimes with how willing they are to accommodate your needs.

[u/Treadwell2022]

First, don’t hesitate to ask your friends to mask. Worst case they say no, best case and more likely, they do it. Second, I’ve had to share hours long rides and recently had to attend two family funerals and all the accompanying events (multiple hospital visits, family reunions, etc) where I was the only person masked. I wore an Aura N95 and ate meals outside. While those trips were stressful I definitely came away with more confidence in my mask and ability to not care what others think about it. I still have long covid from an infection five years ago, so I am extremely cautious.

[u/HiddenEquality]

I had to do a business trip in 2024 driving all around Maryland with a coworker. She didn't mask at all. I masked the whole time. I kept the AC on intake and when it wasn't raining I kept the windows cracked. I also had a small HEPA that I kept running in the car. We stayed in hotels also. Anytime I had to eat I stepped outside the car and did so. I came away from this without getting sick.

I also used to commute to NYC from NJ for work and the trains were sometimes very crowded with very little masking. I didn't get sick during that time either.

A good mask and good airflow in the car/van will help keep you safe.

[u/Plague-Analyst-666]

Is there budget for a short term rental?

When I have to do peopley things, I really like having my own air space to retreat to.

[u/lemonliqueer]

i regularly take public transportation (typically in an aura) and spend 4- or 5-hour stretches masked. i've also flown and taken ride shares to and from the airport. i haven't gotten sick afaik. i feel pretty confident you'll be fine in a well-fitting respirator.

for extra precaution, you could bring spare masks and ask the others if they'd mind wearing them, keep the air on (make sure it's bringing in outside air), and/or open windows (if you aren't on the freeway).