Ridesharing is exactly how it sounds - you are simply sharing a ride to work with others. Ridesharing also refers to both carpools and vanpools. What's the difference between a carpool and a vanpool? The driver in a carpool picks up other interested commuters at their home, at a park and ride lot or at another mutually agreed-upon location. Although it only takes two people to form a carpool, increasing the number of passengers will reduce overall commuting costs.

Vanpools are usually a more formal arrangement among a larger number of interested people than are carpools. If you commute more than 15 miles from home to work each way, the cost savings from joining a vanpool may offset the time involved for multiple pickups and drop-offs.

Passengers in a vanpool share the ride and pay a low monthly fare to the designated driver in a minivan seating up to six, or a full-size van seating up to 12. The vanpool driver, frequently a co-worker, usually rides for free since it is his or her responsibility to ensure the smooth functioning of the vanpool.

I think carpooling will work for me, how do I find out more?

For information on carpooling to campus, click here. Fill out a short survey and then indicate your interest in carpooling. Your employer will show as the Fitzsimons TMA on the survey page, but that information is there just as a placeholder to provide a central location for carpool formation. Once you sign up, you'll receive free carpool matches based on the criteria you enter regarding your home/work locations, work hours, flexibility and pick-up and drop-off radius.

I think vanpooling is my best option, how do I find out more?

For information on how a vanpool works click here. You can also search for existing vanpools going to your location by clicking here. Ready to sign up for a vanpool? Fill out and return this form.

What if I have an emergency and need to get home?

All vanpool participants are eligible for a program called Guaranteed Ride Home. The program provides a free taxi ride home from the office for employees who have an emergency arise on a day that they used alternative transportation. When an employee who uses alternative transportation has an emergency such as illness or an unexpected schedule change, Guaranteed Ride Home ® pays their cab fare home from the office, up to 100 miles one-way. It does not cover rides for pre-scheduled medical or other appointments, transportation due to a work-related injury, or other instances where transportation could have been scheduled in advance. Eco Pass holders are also eligible for this program.

Are carpool and vanpool participants eligible for preferential parking?

Check with your specific employer for preferential parking options.
For UCD preferential parking information, go here.
More information for UCH and TCH coming soon.