Commuting OptionsCarpooling Carpooling is the simplest and most common ridesharing arrangement. Carpooling reduces the total number of commute trips made because each passenger, in addition to the driver, represents one less vehicle trip. By sharing the ride, carpoolers save money on fuel, insurance, and car maintenance. Carpooling can also reduce time spent on the road, because carpools can use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. When they're not behind the wheel, carpoolers can read, nap, or chat during their commute, reducing stress. And carpooling helps reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. Carpooling Advantages: - Less stress commuting to and from work
- Financial savings due to sharing commuting costs
- Increases free time for riders
- If an HOV lane is available, trips may take less time
- Reduces air pollution due to emissions
- Reduces the need for parking
Concerns about Carpooling You may ask, "What if there is an emergency and I have to get home" or "What if I have to work overtime and I am in a carpool?" There are provisions to get you home through the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program, sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). You can view material on this program by clicking on Guaranteed Ride Home or by visiting the Guaranteed Ride Home section of COG's Commuter Connections website at www.commuterconnections.org. The Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services Program is a member of Commuter Connections. How do I Find Riders for my Carpool? The Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services Program is part of Commuter Connections, which is a network of Washington, D.C.-area transportation organizations coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). Commuter Connections offers free ridematching services. Staff from Loudoun’s Commuter Services Program can assist citizens in Loudoun with this free ridematching service. Give us a call today if you wish to join or form a carpool. Local phone: 703-771-5665
Toll-free: 800-745-RIDE
e-mail: rideshare@loudoun.gov NuRide: Earn Rewards for Sharing the Ride The NuRide network not only helps you find someone to share the ride - you also earn rewards points every time you use it. And there's no ongoing commitment - you can use the NuRide network every day, or once in a while. If you already belong to a carpool, you can still sign up with NuRide to earn rewards for what you're already doing. Rewards are based on a points system called "NuRide Miles" - like frequent flyer miles. You can redeem your NuRide Miles for gift cards and gift certificates from restaurants and national retailers. Learn more by clicking on the link below. |