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New Rideshare Web site makes carpool
matching easier for Idahoans

New site allows for easier use, customization and new programs

More than 1,230 Idahoans take advantage of Idaho’s free rideshare program – RideshareOnline.com. This week, the ride-matching experience just got better, thanks to the launch of a new Web site.

Both individuals seeking ride matches and organizations managing regional or internal employee programs will be better able to personalize, track and manage their Rideshare matches through the new system.

“The new Web site is a significant improvement to what existed previously,” said Randy Kyrias, administrator of the Division of Public Transportation. “There are a number of expanded ridesharing features, and the new School Pool and Bike Buddy features offer matching opportunities outside of the regular commuter demographic.”

New site features include:

Bike Buddies, ride-matching for cyclists looking to ride to work or ride the trails on the weekends
School Pool, carpool matching tool for parents looking for carpool matches to get their kids to and from school
Home page personalization and branding
Dynamic (same day), one-way, one-time, and long distance ride-matching
Event planning with improved capabilities for single event and dynamic ride-matching to help minimize the travel hassles of commuting to large and small events like sports events, concerts, conferences or weddings
Map-based origin/destination and along-the-route matching
Ability for organizations to create, promote and administer their own commute incentive management programs entirely within the site
Greater self service features for vanpool formation and ease of administration

ITD purchased Idaho’s Rideshare program license in 2008 by ITD. Previously the program was only available in Ada and Blaine counties.

“ITD purchased the statewide license in order to provide more Idahoans additional transportation options,” said Kyrias. “Ridesharing is just as relevant for people living in rural areas driving to and from work, school and other activities as it is to those living in more populated areas of the state.

“Everyone is concerned about gas prices, other costs associated with vehicle maintenance and traffic congestion. Ridesharing is a simple solution to all of those things.”

Commuters and organizations interested in learning more about Idaho’s Rideshare program can contact ITD’s Brian Shea at (800) 527-7985 or Brian.Shea@itd.idaho.gov.