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

Carpooling can save commuters hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. Find out how much you spend to drive alone.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

Housing and transportation expenses eat up 48% or more of the household income for middle-class working in the Kansas City area in 2008. (Source: Center for Neighborhood Technology)

COSTLY COMMUTE

In 2008, the average cost of driving is 54.1 cents per mile for a vehicle drived 15,000 miles annually. (Source: AAA)