Rideshare
Sharing your ride to work can help you reduce costs, commuting time, and stress. Identify the best rideshare option for you, then use our tools and tips to find rideshare partners and learn how you can earn rewards for every trip you take!
Benefits of Ridesharing
Saving Money
You can slash commuting costs by 50% or more by sharing fuel, toll, and parking expenses with fellow riders. The more riders you have in your group, the more you save.
Saving Time
Commuters in multi-passenger vehicles can save time by using high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during rush hour. When traveling in a vehicle with three or more riders, you can save time and money by accessing Virginia’s Express Lanes toll-free.
Reducing Air Pollution
Ridesharing reduces the number of vehicles on the road each day. Your choice to not drive alone helps reduce carbon emissions that contribute to pollution and climate change.
Reducing Stress
On days when you are not the driver, you can use your commute time to read, rest, check social media, or catch up on work.
Carpool
Carpooling, the most common form of ridesharing, is an arrangement in which two or more commuters ride together in a privately owned vehicle on an ongoing basis.
Vanpool
A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who rent or lease a van. One or more people in the group are designated as drivers. Every rider pays a monthly fee based on costs. The vanpool company provides insurance, vehicle maintenance and repairs, and a backup vehicle if the leased vehicle becomes unavailable. Contact your local commuter assistance program for additional vanpool resources.
Ridesharing Tips
Check With Your Workplace
Some companies offer to match you with co-workers who are interested in ridesharing or who are looking to add someone to their group. They may also offer ridesharing incentives.
Know Your Schedule
Before committing to a carpool or vanpool, be realistic about what time you can leave for work and what time you can leave the office for home. Make sure everyone’s schedules are in sync.
Establish Ground Rules
Establish a common understanding regarding matters such as conversation, smoking, eating, and music during the rides. Also decide how long the group should wait for someone who is late.
Determine Cost-Sharing Arrangements
If sharing commuting costs, decide which expenses are included, who will track them, and how and when payments will be made. Alternatively, you could opt for an arrangement in which driving is rotated equally among carpool members and each driver covers expenses when they drive.
Develop a Driver Plan
There can be flexibility, but it’s best to map out the specific days, weeks, or months when each carpool member will drive. Designate an alternate driver in case of illness, emergency, or problems with the driver’s vehicle.
Share Contact Information
Everyone in the group needs to be able to reach the other group members quickly if their plans change or they have an emergency. Be sure to exchange phone numbers.