Accessible Transportation for All

Commuter Rideshare Programs

Purpose

Commuter rideshare or ridematch programs are most often designed to provide individuals with a way to travel to work if they do not own a car or have a license, wish to reduce their individual travel costs, reduce congestion, and travel emissions, or move from a solitary commute to one with other people. Businesses often set up rideshare programs as a benefit for their employees, to reduce the number of vehicles parked at their facility, and most importantly, to ensure that skilled workers can get to their place of business without transportation barriers. These services should not be confused with volunteer driver programs, public transit, or other services focused on getting a rider to a specific service (hospital shuttle, senior center shuttle, etc.).

There are two basic types of commuter rideshare programs:
  • Vanpool: Designed to provide transportation for many people on an established schedule typically designed around business hours or worker shifts. Vanpools are most often operated by a business or private operator; however, they can also be publicly supported in certain cases. This is not an on-demand service and typically requires advanced registration. The service may be offered free of charge as part of an employee compensation package, or a fee is charged by the operator. Vanpools typically do not stop at individual homes, instead commuters access the service at one or a series of stops at Park & Ride Lots or transportation depots.
  • Carpool: Designed to empower people to solve their own transportation needs, a carpool is like neighbor helping neighbor. Very often carpools are used to commute to work, but it doesn’t stop there. Many people organize carpools to church, special events, or vacation travel. Regardless of your “why”, an effective carpool requires a personal or rented vehicle, a maximum number of riders, and an agreement about how the carpool will operate and any shared costs. Often these arrangements include rotating personal vehicles so one vehicle does not do all the traveling.

Commuter Rideshare Programs in New Hampshire

Vanpools and carpools exist throughout the state as well as over 30 Park & Ride Lots to support them. Most are created and managed by individuals or businesses to assist their employees with their commute, but some are offered through a public transportation provider. As you explore existing options it is important to remember to find out who is eligible to ride, the route(s) it serves, how it works and if there is any cost to you. You may also find it important to use a service that provides an “Emergency Ride Home” if you have an unexpected personal or family illness/emergency or unscheduled overtime.

The following are two different approaches to providing employees with commuter services:

Operated by COAST, this service typically uses a full-size bus and is open to the public, but primarily serves shipyard employees. Commuters purchase a pass from COAST and are automatically enrolled in their Emergency Ride Home Program.

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Need More Help? 

Our regional mobility managers are ready to assist you in determining what solutions are right for your needs and next steps in accessing those services. They can also assist you and your company in establishing a commuter program through our extensive transportation network and partnership with companies like Commute With Enterprise. 

Looking to take your commute to the next level? Visit our partners at Commute Smart New Hampshire and Commute Smart Seacoast to join the commuter revolution. Commute Smart New Hampshire and Seacoast can help build interest in rideshare services and even organize commuter challenges that incentivize participation and corporate team building with a purpose.

How it Works

Carpools are started by someone taking the initiative, and are often organized informally, but don’t be surprised if that individual sparks a movement to improve commuting for the entire organization. While finding a carpool option or creating one might initially be a solitary task, by its very nature it will start to attract more people that see the value. It is not unusual for businesses to support carpooling by creating rideshare boards to match riders. If you are not sure where to start, we suggest that you speak with human resources to see if your company has a program, you can join or help expand. You can also take advantage of the Keep New Hampshire Moving database and trip planning software to find opportunities. Still stuck? Contact your local mobility manager and our partners at Commute Smart New Hampshire and they will assist you in getting started.

Ask Your HR Department

Many companies establish vanpools or shuttle services for their employees. These are larger and more structured programs than carpools and may be a service your company contracts through a private transportation provider. Again, you can take advantage of the Keep New Hampshire Moving database and trip planning software to see if there is a service listed; however, many operated by businesses are not listed publicly. It is best for you to first ask your human resources department if they have an existing carpool, vanpool or shuttle service. If your company has not established a vanpool perhaps you are the one, they have been waiting for!

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Do Your Research

If you are joining a carpool, vanpool or shuttle service, it is important that you do your research. Make sure that the requirements are clear, routes identified, and costs defined before you take your first trip. Find out if there is an emergency ride home service included or have a plan in case the unforeseen happens. Remember working out all of these details upfront increases your satisfaction with your new commuter plan.