Sharing a Ride
Sharing a ride, if only once a week, makes a big difference. Whether you share a ride to work, school, or to a fun activity, it takes an extra car off the road. Some employers assist employees in finding rideshare partners or you might already have a work or school buddy you can make arrangements with. There are also apps and services that can help you find a match.
Want to give it a try?
Tips for Ridesharing
You don’t have to share a ride every day. Start by ridesharing one day per week and increase from there. Just try it out and adjust as you go.
Worried about traveling with a stranger? Arrange to meet at a public space or a local coffee shop before you agree to a rideshare arrangement.
Don’t commit. Agree to try ridesharing once or twice, but make it known you’re not quite sure if ridesharing is right for you. Even then, agree that you may wish to break it off down the road. It’s ok to be noncommittal.
Money matters. If each person in the carpool takes a turn in driving to the same destination, then there may be no need to worry about money. However, some people prefer to drive, others prefer to ride. In that case, each rider should contribute a reasonable fare to cover gas, parking, and wear on the driver’s car. There are calculators online to help determine costs.
Where do I meet my carpool? That’s up to you. Some people choose to meet at a convenient Park and Ride lot, on the street, or even your house.
Respect your fellow rideshare passengers. In the morning, some people relish quiet time.
Be on time. Decide together how long the driver is expected to wait.
Establish ground rules. Music and volume? Food and drinks? For a comfortable ride, agree on some basic rules up front and be open to trying new ideas.
Agree on a communication plan. If a driver is sick or is on vacation, have a plan for an alternate driver or another way to make your trip.
Travel safely. Keep the car in good repair and drive safely.
Don’t want to be stranded at work? WTA provides Emergency Rides Home to Smart Trips participants when unexpected emergencies happen. Find more details here. (Pop-up)
Whatcom Transportation Authority Rideshare
WTA’s Rideshare program allows groups of people to "lease" a WTA-owned van for the purpose of commuting to and from a common worksite or facility. The Rideshare group pays a fare, based on the county traveled to each month. Because of this, there is a lower shared cost, and no one puts miles on their own car. Fares cover all costs to operate the van, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
WTA can also help you form a new Rideshare group. Rideshare groups need to maintain an average of at least five riders per day. Since not everyone rides every day, more than five riders are needed in the group. At least two riders must be willing to drive. Rideshare drivers must have good driving records. WTA provides driver orientation and serves as your contact regarding van maintenance and other details.
You may be able to join a group that's already operating.
Call 1 (360) 676-7433 and press 4 to speak with WTA’s Rideshare Coordinator about current Rideshare groups, potential openings or for help forming a new group.
For information about fares visit https://www.ridewta.com/rideshare/.
Rideshare Matching Resources
https://www.rideshareonline.com/https://transportation.wwu.edu/carpool-and-ride-share