What is Share-A-Ride?
The Share-A-Ride program isn't just about carpooling — it is a free service that could potentially match you with convenient transit services, vanpool groups, even walking and bicycling opportunities if you WORK in the 5-county southeastern Pennsylvania region.
What is a carpool?
A carpool is considered to be a car carrying two to four people. Carpools are usually proposed for those employees living in areas where few other employees live or where transit is not available. Arrangements can be made for one employee to handle the driving in his/her/their vehicle, or for all pool participants to share the responsibilities; cost varies per the arrangement and the number of riders involved.
What is a vanpool?
Vanpools are vans or vehicles which can hold six to 15 people. This option can be considered for those employees who are clustered in one specific area, where use of a larger vehicle is more efficient then the use of multiple cars. These services can be arranged through a third-party vanpool provider, with little or no company involvement, or they can be handled with company-provided or employee-owned vehicles. Costs are divided among the pool members, with drivers usually allowed limited use of the vehicle outside commuting times.
What if I am near public transportation but want to carpool?
The program will list all your options. However, the Share-A-Ride program will suggest use of public transit whenever it is convenient to employees near bus, train, subway, or trolley lines. Contact your local transit provider for information on fares and schedules.
Who is responsible for setting up car/vanpools?
The Share-A-Ride program works to match commuters with others who have to same travel patterns and similar work day hours. A match list is provided, but it is the responsibility of the commuter(s) to arrange a car or vanpool, and to determine pickup/drop-off times and locations, and costs. When employers use SAR to match their employees as a group, either a company representative or their TripSmart PA contact can facilitate the organization of pools.
How much will this service cost?
One of the most attractive features about the Share-A-Ride program is that the matching services are FREE! DVRPC can offer these matching services at no charge through support from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). So, now there's no excuse — get moving with Share-A-Ride today!
How soon will I receive information about a ride match?
You should receive your match information right away, after you register and enter your information. If you only have one match (or none) initially, you will be alerted when a new applicant could be a potential match. You can also turn off the match function if you are already part of a vanpool or carpool that is full.