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How does Share the Ride NC work?
Share the Ride NC is a statewide commuter information network that
connects you with other transportation options. When you register
with Share the Ride NC your commuting information is entered into
a database that searches for other commuters with similar commutes
and work hours.
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What is a carpool?
A carpool is two or more commuters sharing a ride in one of their
own vehicles. Carpoolers can either share driving and expenses or
one person may drive most or all of the time, in which case the
passenger shares operating expenses with the driver. The best carpooling
arrangements are very flexible. In fact, you don't need to carpool
every day, just as often as your schedule allows. This gives you
the freedom to plan errands or appointments on days when you aren't
carpooling.
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What is a vanpool?
A vanpool involves 7-15 commuters who use a van owned by a business,
a municipality, or other organization. Vanpools work similarly to
a carpool. Typically, the vanpool provider pays for gas and insurance;
and arranges, oversees, and pays for all maintenance. Riders pay
a monthly fare based on the mileage the vanpool travels and the
driver rides for free.
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How can I find a carpool or vanpool in my area?
When you register with Share the Ride
NC, you'll be included in a database of thousands of interested
carpoolers and vanpoolers. You'll receive a "matchlist"
with the names and contact information of those persons and vanpools
who match your commute pattern (home addresses are never included
on the matchlists and home numbers may be excluded as well.) Just
contact the names on that list and make your carpool or vanpool
arrangements.
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Could anyone have a schedule as crazy as mine?
Believe it or not, yes! However, persons with irregular schedules
are better candidates for carpools than for vanpools. Even if there
is just one day a week where you work a predictable schedule, carpool
on that day. Also, many people work flexible hours and you may find
someone in a similar position to your own. We'll do our best to
find a match for you.
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What if I work second or third shift?
Carpooling or vanpooling may still work for you. We have workers
from all shifts and schedules in our commuter database.
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Why do I have to provide my home address when
I register?
Share the Ride NC uses your home address to effectively match you
to commuters, vanpools, park and ride lots, etc. that are located
near your home. However, your home address will NEVER appear on another
person's match list. The partnering agencies that administer Share
the Ride NC will not sell or give away your personal information
to other governments, organizations, or private businesses, within
the limits of the law. Click Here to view the registration disclaimer.
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Do I have to give out my home phone number when
I register?
No, you do not have to provide your home phone number. We do require
you to provide at least one phone number (such as a work number)
when registering. This is required so you won't miss the opportunity
to be contacted by a "perfect" carpool match, because
the other individual doesn't have access to email.
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What is my commitment when I register with Share
the Ride NC?
Search for alternative transportation by registering with Share
the Ride NC in no way obligates you to use alternate modes of transportation.
Moreover, you can remove (delete) your registration at any time.
When you do join a carpool or vanpool, you and the other members
will decide how often you feel comfortable sharing the ride, among
other details. And, of course, if you are a bus rider, bicyclist
or walker, the commitment is entirely up to you.
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What if I'm reluctant to carpool with a complete
stranger?
Contact your carpool match, then meet in a neutral location to discuss
carpool arrangements. If you're still uncomfortable, then simply
decline the offer to carpool.
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Are there other transportation options besides
carpooling and vanpooling?
Quite possibly. Share the Ride NC can help you with information
on other available transportation choices. When you register
in RidePro you can also search for nearby park and ride
lots, bike routes, and bus services. You can also see what public
transportation services are available in your area by visiting the
NCDOT Public Transportation Division's web site.
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What if I need to leave work quickly due to
an emergency at home or school, and I didn't drive my vehicle that
day?
Many local transit agencies and employers provide an Emergency /
Guaranteed Ride Home Program for carpoolers, vanpoolers, cyclists
and bus riders. The programs provide a free or reimbursable ride
home by taxi cab or rental car. Please contact your local transit agency, or contact your employer to
see if they offer an Emergency / Guaranteed Ride Home Program.
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