ShareTheRide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a charge to use ShareTheRide? There is no charge to use ShareTheRide. The system is maintained by Valley Metro Commute Solutions with funding from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

How does the system work? ShareTheRide uses state-of-the-art mapping technology to search for possible commute matches. Matches are displayed on an interactive Google map, allowing you to send an email to potential matches. The transit schedule uses information sent weekly to Google by Valley Metro’s web staff.

How do I create an account? Registering is easy. Follow these steps:

First time users:
  • Select "Register Now"
  • Enter email address and select a password
    • NOTE: Entering your work email address lets you match within your company.
  • Enter your personal profile information
  • Enter your address information, including:
    • Home address
    • Origin address (if different from your home address)
    • Destination (work) address
  • Define your travel schedule.
  • Activate your account using the email sent by ShareTheRide
  • Log in to search for matches, track commutes for prize points and enter contests.

    Why do you recommend that I use my work email address? Experience shows people searching for carpool partners are most comfortable searching within their own company. Email verification of the work email address ensures that people who want to search within their own employer group are doing so with other validated registrants.

    Do I have to make myself available for matching, or to respond to matching requests? No. We hope that you will seek matches with other commuters to help reduce Valley pollution and congestion.  As the system expands, we hope you will find additional suitable matches.  We appreciate your participation and ask you to continue to log your commute until a suitable match is found.
       
    What if I don’t want to be contacted through ShareTheRide because I already have a carpool partner? Simply click on the “Edit My Profile" button, and then check the button “Make me Unavailable for Matching". You can still use all other features of the system.

    Is my information private? Yes. Your data is secured using the same technologies used by online banking merchants. No information is given to any external agency at any time.

    Is my car insurance affected by connecting with a carpooler? Personal vehicle insurance is dependent upon your policy, but most insurers require passenger insurance coverage as part of any basic package. If you have any doubts, check with your insurance provider prior to initiating any carpool. ShareTheRide assumes no responsibility for insurance issues.

    I registered using my email home address, but not want to match within my employer group – I need to change my email. Click on the “Edit My Login" button to modify your UserID. You will immediately receive an email which will ask you to click on a provided link to confirm your new email address is valid.

    I forgot my UserID. Remember that your UserID is also your email address. If you are unsure which email you used, use the “Contact Us" form to contact Valley Metro Commute Solutions for help.

    I forgot my Password. On the login page click on “Forgot your password?" Enter your email address and the password will be emailed to you.

    What if I don’t find a match? First, make sure you’ve tried adjusting your search settings. The default setting searches within two miles from where you live or work or two miles along your route. You can expand or reduce these search distances as necessary. If you still don’t find a match, try searching again in a week or two. It takes a while to add registrants in the database so don’t give up if you’re not immediately successful.

    Are there contests available to enter year-round? Yes, plus special contests and promotions throughout the year. Check back often so you don't miss out! 
         
    I commute alone in an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV), zero emission vehicle (ZEV), or hybrid. Am I eligible for ShareTheRide contests? Sorry, no. These kinds of vehicles emit less pollution, but they still contribute to congestion. Congestion increases pollution generated by idling diesel- and gasoline-burning vehicles. Commuting alone does not qualify for ShareTheRide contests, even in a hybrid, AFV, or ZEV. 

    How do I get help if I’m having technical problems, comments or questions? If you’re have any questions use the “Contact Us" form for assistance.

    What is RideShark Corporation? RideShark Corporation is the developer of the ShareTheRide application and hosts the application database. RideShark Corporation is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.