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1. What are the benefits of participating in a carpool program?

Whether you use a carpooling platform like RideShareOnline.com to find a rideshare group or find co-workers or neighbors to ride with, the benefits are the same:

• Save money by splitting fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and other vehicle maintenance.

• Speed up your commute by using HOV lanes.

• Contribute positively to the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering carbon emissions.

• Have fun socializing, singing some carpool karaoke, listening to podcasts, or catching up on social media (if you’re not the driver!)

2. How do I find a carpool partner?

Contact your co-workers. Talk to neighbors. Post a flyer at your cubicle or work bulletin board. Or complete a ride-match request application on RideshareOnline.com. It’s a free and confidential service that will help you find people in your area who want to share the ride.

3. Is it recommended to carpool with someone I don't know?

Everyone's comfort level is different. Try meeting at a local coffee shop with potential carpoolers to get acquainted prior to riding together.

4. Are there rules for a carpool?

Your carpool will operate smoothly if you establish a few rules in advance. For example, decide on policies about smoking, the radio, wait times and driving rotation. Agree on vacation plans and notification about absences. A few minutes now will save time and headaches later.

5. Is there a cost for participating in a carpool?

Discuss with your carpool partners how to distribute the costs of your commute fairly. You can do this by taking turns as the carpool driver, or by having the driver charge each rider a fare that you all agree on. Remember that there are more expenses than just gasoline. To be fair, all riders are expected to participate in cost sharing for the gasoline, tolls, parking, oil, service, and wear and tear. For help, refer to this guide from AAA. 

6. Do I need car insurance?

Yes, it’s the law. You need insurance for your car and for your passengers. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Carpool riders may want to see if they qualify for a discount because they are not driving to work each day.

7. How do carpoolers decide who drives?

Some people only want to ride and are willing to reimburse part of the costs, while others prefer to share the driving. If driving is rotated equally between carpoolers and their personal vehicles, no money needs to be exchanged.

8. What if one partner wants the other to go out of their way to pick up another rider?

It is up to the group of people in the carpool to decide what their pickup points will be. Remember, they should be convenient for all pooling members.

9. What if one carpooler makes the others late for work?

We recommend that carpoolers pick a leave time and stick to it. If problems continue, then try to find a resolution by talking with the group members.

10. How long is recommended for a carpool trial period?

We recommend a four-week trial period. This will give you a chance to knock out the kinks and test the waters.

11. What if one person decides they do not want to carpool with the other person?

Establishing a trial period can help alleviate this concern. That way, if one or more do not like the situation, it’s easier to leave it.

12. An employee only lives two miles away from work. Can they still carpool?

Yes! You still experience the benefits of carpooling with short drives, such as not fighting for parking spaces, splitting gas prices, and lowering your carbon footprint!

13. What if I need to get home in case of an emergency?

If your employer partners with Ride Together Pierce and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free taxi, Lyft or Uber ride home in case of an emergency. Contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator or visit this page for more information. Rides are capped at $100 per trip and six trips per year.