History
The Story of CARPOOL
From a single moment of clarity to over 297,964 free rides, learn about how one Aggie’s decision built a tradition of safety.CARPOOL by the Numbers
The Origin Story
On , Jeff Schiefelbein received a DWI in College Station. After completing community service, he attended a MADD Victim Impact panel that changed his life. On , he decided to start a program the Aggie community could rely on. When his ride picked him up from the courthouse, he said:
I’m going to start the best designated driver program in the country.
Jeff had received his DWI on October 23, 1997, and began an 18-month probation sentence. After losing his license and completing 60 hours of community service, he attended a MADD Victim Impact panel where he heard the story of a woman and her daughter killed in high school. That story stayed with him. On November 11, 1998, he made a decision — and over the next eight months, he and a team of dedicated students evaluated every aspect of the idea. CARPOOL vowed never to preach about drinking, but to accept everyone and help them get home safely. Education, they believed, should happen outside the car. In fact, members were encouraged to use CARPOOL if they ever needed it.
After nearly a year of research and promotion, CARPOOL began operations on at 10 pm. The first ride was called from the Texas Hall of Fame; the drivers for Car 1 were Suzy Trainer and Evan Campbell. Student Body President Will Hurd stopped by, answered phones, and helped fine-tune operations. By the end of the night, 36 rides had been given — an amazing start for a brand-new program.
As awareness grew, so did trust and the number of rides. Other schools noticed the model and wanted to learn from it. In Spring 2000, CARPOOL received the Outstanding Achievement for a New Committee award from the Association of Former Students and Class Councils, and Jeff earned the award for Best Individual Contribution to Campus.
CARPOOL wasn’t modeled after any other program. It’s a unique approach we hope continues to inspire and support safe-ride programs nationwide. Since 1999, CARPOOL has given over 297,964 free rides to students and community members across Bryan/College Station.
Historical Timeline
Major milestones in CARPOOL’s history1997
A DWI leads to community service and a pivotal MADD Victim Impact panel that changes everything for Jeff Schiefelbein.
1998
Jeff commits to building the best designated driver program in the United States — a promise made leaving the courthouse.
1999
Operations launch from Texas Hall of Fame on September 16. First night delivers 36 rides across Bryan/College Station.
2000
Awards from the Association of Former Students recognize CARPOOL’s campus impact, including Outstanding Achievement for a New Committee.
Today
Over 297,964 total rides given since 1999 — continuing to serve the Bryan/College Station community every weekend.
Through the Years
25+ years of keeping Aggieland safe
The Founding Team
The original CARPOOL team from the first year of operations. What started as one Aggie’s vision quickly became a movement — student volunteers stepping up to keep their community safe.
Modern Operations
Over two decades later, the mission remains the same. New generations of Aggie volunteers carry on the tradition every Friday and Saturday night.
Halloween OPS Night
CARPOOL isn’t just about the rides, it’s about the community. From themed OPS nights to fundraisers, members build bonds beyond the driver’s seat.
Student Volunteer Drivers
Every weekend, student volunteers take to the streets in Enterprise-rented vehicles. No personal cars needed — just dedication to getting Aggies home safe.
Explore More
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Call (979) 693-9905
Our Story
How CARPOOL began in 1999
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Join the CARPOOL team
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