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How does ShareTheRideNC work?
ShareTheRideNC is a statewide rideshare-matching service. When you register, 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 equally or one person may drive most or all of the time, in which case the passenger helps pay for gas, wear and tear, and parking.
The best carpooling arrangements are very flexible. In fact, you don't need to carpool every day. 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 is 7-15 commuters who use a van owned by an organization, which pays for gas and insurance; and arranges, oversees, and pays for all maintenance.
Vanpools work similarly to a carpool. 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 ShareTheRideNC, you'll be added to the database of thousands of commuters. You'll receive a "matchlist" with the names and contact information of those who match your commute pattern (home addresses are never included on the matchlists.) 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, you can carpool on that day.
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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?
ShareTheRideNC uses your home address to effectively match you to commuters, vanpools and park-and-ride lots. However, your home address will NEVER appear on another person's matchlist. Also, we will never sell or give away your personal information to other governments, organizations or private businesses.
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Do I have to give out my phone number when I register?
No, you do not have to provide your phone number. However, we recommend you give your number so you don'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 ShareTheRideNC?
Registering with ShareTheRideNC does not obligate you to use alternate modes of transportation. Moreover, you can delete your information 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.
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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 such as a nearby grocery store 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. ShareTheRideNC can help you with information on other available transportation choices. When you register, 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 Ride Home program for carpoolers, vanpoolers, cyclists and bus riders. The programs provide a free ride home by taxi cab or rental car. Please contact your local transit agency for details.
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