Carpool/Vanpool

Looking for other people to ride with so you can breeze through the Express Lanes and avoid tolls? Carpools and vanpools offer convenience, reduce time in traffic, and help you save money. Carpools help commuters save even more by sharing the ride with others who live and work in similar locations. Riders are typically matched based on their home and work ZIP codes, making the commute convenient with minimal detours. In addition to reducing commuting costs, carpooling provides an opportunity to socialize and build connections with fellow commuters.  

Carpool

  • Typically consists of 2–4 individuals.
  • Riders travel to and from work together in a vehicle owned by one of the carpool members.
  • Usually an informal arrangement among commuters, although some employers offer dedicated carpool parking with preferred spaces near building entrances or elevators and reduced parking rates.
Vanpools operate similarly to carpools but on a larger scale and are ideal for commuters who travel 15 miles or more to work. Vanpools typically involve a more structured arrangement and offer an economical commuting option for longer distances. Vanpool
  • Typically consists of 5–15 individuals.
  • Riders travel together in an owner-operated, third-party leased, or employer-provided van.
  • Usually, a formal agreement or lease is signed by the commuters participating in the vanpool.

Regional Incentives and Programs

There are many available programs and incentives to support how you choose to move around the region. Check these out to find more ways to save money and make the most of your commute.

Receive Up to $700 for Sharing Your Ride

Interested in commuting with others? The region offers a number of programs that can help cover your costs of parking or commuting in a carpool or vanpool.

Vanpool Alliance can help you receive $300+ when you join or start a vanpool in Northern Virginia. If you travel on I-66 or I-395, you can receive additional funds towards the cost of parking your van near your work site.

Learn more about Vanpool Alliance

Commuter Connections offers ‘Pool Rewards which provides $200 per month for qualifying vanpools or up to $320 for new carpools during a 90-day period.

Learn more about ‘Pool Rewards

Guaranteed Ride Home

Guaranteed Ride Home ensures you’re never stranded without a way home from work by providing up to up to six (6) free rides home per year in cases of personal or family emergencies or unscheduled overtime. If you bike, take transit, carpool, or vanpool to work, make sure to register and renew annually so that you have a ride home when you need it most.

Register for Guaranteed Ride Home

Earn Cash While You Commute

Commuter Cash App helps you find new options to commute to work or for errands and helps you earn money while you bike, Metro, walk, or carpool to your destination. Receive up to $600 per year simply by logging your trips.

Sign up for the Commuter Cash app

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