Carpooling Overview
How Carpooling Works
Carpooling occurs any time two or more people ride in a vehicle together. Anyone can share a ride — neighbors, classmates, coworkers or even someone you have just met. Some carpoolers take turns driving and exchange no money at all. Others drive all the time and pick up riders who share the costs of commuting.
If you are interested in trying or joining a carpool, the RideShare program can help you find other people going the same way at the same time or introduce you to possible vanpools that operate in your area.
- See frequently asked questions about carpools
- Review carpool tips to get the most out of your rideshare arrangement
- See frequently asked questions about vanpools
Carpooling Benefits
The benefits of carpooling are many, but some that are most often reported include:
- Savings — in some cases dramatic — on commute costs
- Less wear and tear on your vehicle
- Less stressful commute/less driving
- Reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption
- Helping to keep the air clean
- Unexpected benefits like making new friends and keeping more consistent work hours
How to Register and Find Carpool Matches
Register with RideShare by calling 816/842-RIDE or by creating a personal account through our Carpool Connection online matching service. Once registered, there is no obligation to form or join a carpool or a vanpool. Using Carpool Connection, you can:
- Create a password-protected account
- Enter and manage your carpool preferences
- Get instant matches with other commuters who want to form or join carpools
- Send instant e-mail messages to your matches
- Access your account at any time to update your profile or search for more matches
You'll also receive a booklet with guidelines for successful carpooling and information about other topics, including other transit alternatives. RideShare sends out "Refer-a-Friend" postcards with regular re-registration letters. Put a friend's name on the card and mail it in to be part of a monthly prize drawing.
SAVVY SAVINGS
The average commuter who drives 20 miles round trip to work or school each day spends more than $2,000 a year on those trips. Discover how much you spend to drive alone by filling out the Cost of Driving Calculator.
RIDESHARE REALITY
Thousands of people in the metro choose to carpool, vanpool or ride the bus regularly. The Regional Household Travel Survey found 26 percent of those surveyed travel as passengers in others' vehicles.
COSTLY COMMUTE
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2004 that transportation costs were the second largest consumer expense, averaging 18 percent per household.