Getting Started


How can I start using RideshareOnline.com?

Just sign up! Whether you are accessing from your computer or phone, registering in the site takes under 2 minutes. You will receive a confirmation email - be sure to click on the link in this email that validates your account.

Once you have clicked the link, login to the site and use the menu navigation to navigate to the appropriate section. If you are looking to carpool or vanpool, use the Ride Match menu to add your trip. If you are looking to log trips in your calendar, go to the Calendar menu and log your trips.


Is the RideshareOnline.com system free? Will I be charged to use it?

The RideshareOnline.com system is free. There is no cost to use the system.


Password & Login


I forgot my password. Can I get a new one?

Follow these steps:

- Request a new password here: http://rideshareonline.icarpool.com/en/PasswordRecovery.aspx.
- Upon submitting your email, the system shows you a confirmation message indicating a new password has been sent. Go to your email account and look for a new message with the subject line "Your new password". If you don't find it in your Inbox, check the spam folder as sometimes legitimate email arrives there. If you don't receive the email within a few minutes, add notifications@smartrideshare.com to your address book and then submit another password reset request. Be sure to only use the password in the latest email in case you have tried to reset it multiple times.
- Login to the site using the new password. Once you log in, you will be prompted to change your password. Set a permanent password you will use.

Troubleshooting
- If you are unable to reset the password - check if you have another email account you may have used when you registered in the site. Try the reset functionality with your other email address.
- Try the reset functionality from another computer or try it from your mobile phone.
- If you have followed the above steps and still have issues logging in, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com with details on exactly which step is failing.


Help! I can't login to the site.

Check these:

- If you have multiple email accounts, make sure you are using the correct email account to login.
- Do you have the right password? If you're not sure, try resetting your password.
- Check if you are able to login to other websites you use. If you have issues on other websites too, your browser settings may need to be updated. Contact your IT Helpdesk so they can help with this task.
- If you still have an issue, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


My Account


How do I change my home and work locations?

Go to your Profile menu and then My Locations. Once there, update your home or work address as needed.


How do I change my employer network?

Go to your Profile menu and then My Networks. Once there, add or change your employer network as needed. During this process, you will need to validate your account using either a work email, passcode or another mechanism set up by your employer.


Helpl! I can't update my profile information and my home/work locations.

Are you a vanpooler? Many vanpool programs are set up as "managed programs". For these programs, vanpool administrators maintain and update records for vanpoolers. If you're a vanpooler and you can't update your profile or your home/work locations, send an email to your vanpool agency contact about the changes you need.


Vanpool


I contacted a few vanpools via the match list. But I did not receive any response. Why is that? What can I do?

Many vanpools run full and may not have space. When this is the case, you may not hear from them.

Here is one way we help. When you contact vanpoolers via the system, you are automatically added to a waitlist for the vanpool. This way, when a seat opens up in the vanpool, you will be on the waitlist and you will hear from them. This may take some time, so be sure to consider using another mode while you get in a vanpool.


What can I do to improve my chances of finding a vanpool?

Sign up in RideshareOnline.com and use the Ride Match menu to add a trip corresponding to your commute. Search for matches and if you find any matching vanpools, be sure to contact those vanpools through the system. When you contact vanpoolers via the system, you are automatically added to a waitlist for the vanpool. If the vanpool has open seats or later when seats open up, you will be notified. This may take some time, so be sure to consider using another mode while you get in a vanpool. Be sure to keep your RideshareOnline.com account active by logging in periodically (once a month is sufficient).

Pro Tip - When adding a trip, you are able to locate nearby Park and Rides on the map and select those for your trip. Add a second trip from a nearby Park and Ride. This way, you will also be able to connect with vanpools that match your commute that start from the Park and Ride.


Carpool


Is RideshareOnline.com involved in cost sharing for my carpool?

No, RideshareOnline.com is not involved in cost sharing for your carpool. You should discuss and finalize cost sharing agreements with everyone in your carpool. You could choose to take turns instead of cost sharing.

Here is a tip if you decide on cost sharing. Commonly included for cost sharing: Gas and tolls. Usually not included: Parking, maintenance, insurance, licensing and depreciation. Example: Suppose the average cost of fuel is $4 per gallon and the car gives 20 miles to the gallon. For a 20 mile round trip, the total distance is 40 miles and fuel cost is $8. If there are no tolls, the cost per day is $8. For a two person carpool, the rider could pay $4 per day to split cost evenly.


How can I run my carpool efficiently?

Here are a few tips to help you run your carpool efficiently:

  • Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate the place(s) to meet for the trip home.
  • Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
  • Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. If the members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an agreement of how the costs will be shared and when payments will be made.
  • Be punctual. Decide how long the driver and/or fellow carpoolers are expected to wait. Exchange cell phone numbers so that you may notify each other if you are running late.
  • Establish policies. Smoking or non-smoking; music and volume; food and/or drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially and openly.
  • Establish a chain of communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a rider is ill or will not be working, the rider should contact the driver as soon as possible.
  • Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean (free of trash and debris) and safe. Make sure to schedule regular maintenance on your vehicle.
  • Check with your employer to see if they offer an emergency ride home.
  • Keep contact numbers of all parties and numbers of persons to contact in case of an emergency.


Ride Matches


I did not find rideshare matches for my trips. What can I do?

Here are a few things you can do.

  • By default, the system only shows matches that correspond to your trip times. Be sure to check for matches at other times. Go to the My Trips menu and for the trip in question, select "Find Matches". Then in the Trip Search box, use the "Advanced Search Options", uncheck the box "Check this box if trip times should match" and search again.
  • Add a second trip. Use the map view to locate nearby Park and Rides on the map and select those for your second trip. Also be sure to check the box "I am flexible" to increase the matching time window.


What can I do to improve my chances of rideshare matching?

Make sure you set your trip time match preference as "I am flexible". Find this option under My Trips. For the trip in question, click on "More Options" and then "Edit Trip".


Logging Your Trips


How do I log trips?

Logging trips is easy whether you choose to use the website or use the Trip Logger app.

For logging trips using the site, go to the Calendar menu. Select a mode from the list, confirm details and click on the calendar date. You can log multiple trips on each day. If your commute involves more than one mode, you can log separate trips corresponding to the different modes you take. For instance, if you take the bus and walk, log your bus trips and walk trips for day.

You can also use the TripLogger App to log trips in your account. Be sure to first sign up for the site and use the same account from the mobile app.


What is the purpose of a trip log template?

Trip log templates make it even easier for you to log recurring trips allowing you to log trips for the week or month with just a couple of clicks.

Trip log templates must first be set up. Go to the Calendar menu and set up a trip log template corresponding to your recurring trip.

Once set up, trips corresponding to the template are automatically logged in your account each night. These trips must be confirmed so they count for incentives. If you have set up your trip log templates, you can log into the system periodically (such as once in two weeks) and confirm your trips.


TripLogger App


What is the TripLogger App?

The SmartRideshare TripLogger app can be used to log trips to your trip log calendar. If you have set up a Trip Log Template, the app can also be used to confirm trips that are posted to your account based on the template.

Note - You must first sign up using the RideshareOnline.com website before you can use the app.

iOS App

  • You can download and install from here.
  • The iOS App requires an Apple supported version of iOS. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
  • The link to the iOS app is here: iCarpool TripLogger. You'll also find documentation about the features of the app there.

Android App
  • You can download and install it from here.
  • The Android App requires a Google supported version of Android. It is compatible with phones and tablets.
  • The link to the Android app is here: iCarpool TripLogger. You'll also find documentation about the features of the app there.


What's the advantage of the TripLogger app?

It's true logging trips via the RideshareOnline.com website is super easy. The TripLogger app is another way to log trips easily for those who prefer to use mobile apps.

Also, the TripLogger app sends out reminders every two weeks if you have not already logged trips. These reminders can come in handy for you to fill in your calendar.


Emissions Calculations


How are the emission calculations made?

Cost, fuel and emissions savings reflect the difference between driving alone and carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, train or bicycle, teleworking, etc.

The calculations are performed using trips logged in the calendar and use trip distance and data from AAA, U.S. Federal Transit Administration and Victoria Transport Policy Institute. Calories are calculated using data published by the CDC.


Qualifying Trips


Why are some of my trips not showing on the progress bar of an incentive I am eligible for?

Check whether your trip meets the mode and date requirements for the incentive. If you still believe the trips should count, contact the network that is sponsoring the incentive. Contact information is listed on your home page. If you still have an issue, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


Help! My trips are not counting for the incentive.

This can happen if you joined the sponsoring network after you logged trips in your calendar. If this is the case, go to your calendar and delete the trips logged earlier, and log those trips again. If you still have an issue, contact the network that is sponsoring the incentive. Contact information is listed on your home page. You can also send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


Sponsoring Networks


Who provides the incentives? Which incentives am I eligible for?

Certain employers and public agencies are set up as networks in the RideshareOnline.com system, and they provide incentives with broad goals of trip reduction and promoting alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, carpools, vanpools, etc. You may be eligible for incentives provided by networks associated with your accounts. To find the networks associated with your account, go to the Profile - My Networks menu.


I don't see any incentives under "Available Rewards". What is wrong?

It may be that there are no incentives currently being offered. You can only view incentives currently being offered by networks associated with your account. Is your account missing any network association?

Check the following:

  • Make sure you home address is correct. You can find it in the Profile - My Locations menu option.
  • Make sure your work address is correct. You can find it in the Profile - My Locations menu option.
  • Make sure you see your employer network. You can find your employer network in the Profile - My Networks menu option.


If you know of incentives offered that are missing in view, contact the network that is sponsoring the incentive. Contact information is listed on your home page. If you still have an issue, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


System Requirements


What do I need to use the site?

You need a compatible browser to use the site. Google's Chrome is the preferred browser. Edge and Firefox (latest) are supported. IE 11 (the eleventh and final version of the Internet Explorer) is supported at this time.

Note - Microsoft is in the process of removing support for Internet Explorer. Once Microsoft removes support for Internet Explorer, it will no longer be supported for use with the site.


About Your Data


Will my addresses be shared with other users?

No, addresses entered are not shared. When ridematching, your trip origin and destination will appear as locations on the map when a searching user finds your trip as a match. Please note that the location coordinates have a high precision and may be a few yards or meters from the address you entered.

To avoid this, you may either:

  • Enter the address of a nearby location such as an intersection, library or a coffee shop; or
  • Use the map to select a different nearby location for sharing such as a Park & Ride lot or a public park.


How is my information used?

Use of information in RideshareOnline.com is intended solely for ridesharing and supporting trip reduction programs as specified in the site Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. RideshareOnline.com does not rent or sell your personal information to third parties.


Who can access my account information?

Network administrators for the networks listed on your My Networks page may access your account in order to support trip reduction services and provide customer service assistance. Support administrators may also access your information to answer questions and resolve issues.


Legal


What about insurance and liability?

RideshareOnline.com does not provide any insurance coverage nor assume any liability. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider whether your ridesharing activities are covered under your insurance policy.


Getting Started


How can I start using RideshareOnline.com?

Just sign up! Whether you are accessing from your computer or phone, registering in the site takes under 2 minutes. You will receive a confirmation email - be sure to click on the link in this email that validates your account.

Once you have clicked the link, login to the site and use the menu navigation to navigate to the appropriate section. If you are looking to carpool or vanpool, use the Ride Match menu to add your trip. If you are looking to log trips in your calendar, go to the Calendar menu and log your trips.


Is the RideshareOnline.com system free? Will I be charged to use it?

The RideshareOnline.com system is free. There is no cost to use the system.


Password & Login


I forgot my password. Can I get a new one?

Follow these steps:

- Request a new password here: http://rideshareonline.icarpool.com/en/PasswordRecovery.aspx.
- Upon submitting your email, the system shows you a confirmation message indicating a new password has been sent. Go to your email account and look for a new message with the subject line "Your new password". If you don't find it in your Inbox, check the spam folder as sometimes legitimate email arrives there. If you don't receive the email within a few minutes, add notifications@smartrideshare.com to your address book and then submit another password reset request. Be sure to only use the password in the latest email in case you have tried to reset it multiple times.
- Login to the site using the new password. Once you log in, you will be prompted to change your password. Set a permanent password you will use.

Troubleshooting
- If you are unable to reset the password - check if you have another email account you may have used when you registered in the site. Try the reset functionality with your other email address.
- Try the reset functionality from another computer or try it from your mobile phone.
- If you have followed the above steps and still have issues logging in, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com with details on exactly which step is failing.


Help! I can't login to the site.

Check these:

- If you have multiple email accounts, make sure you are using the correct email account to login.
- Do you have the right password? If you're not sure, try resetting your password.
- Check if you are able to login to other websites you use. If you have issues on other websites too, your browser settings may need to be updated. Contact your IT Helpdesk so they can help with this task.
- If you still have an issue, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


My Account


How do I change my home and work locations?

Go to your Profile menu and then My Locations. Once there, update your home or work address as needed.


How do I change my employer network?

Go to your Profile menu and then My Networks. Once there, add or change your employer network as needed. During this process, you will need to validate your account using either a work email, passcode or another mechanism set up by your employer.


Helpl! I can't update my profile information and my home/work locations.

Are you a vanpooler? Many vanpool programs are set up as "managed programs". For these programs, vanpool administrators maintain and update records for vanpoolers. If you're a vanpooler and you can't update your profile or your home/work locations, send an email to your vanpool agency contact about the changes you need.


Vanpool


I contacted a few vanpools via the match list. But I did not receive any response. Why is that? What can I do?

Many vanpools run full and may not have space. When this is the case, you may not hear from them.

Here is one way we help. When you contact vanpoolers via the system, you are automatically added to a waitlist for the vanpool. This way, when a seat opens up in the vanpool, you will be on the waitlist and you will hear from them. This may take some time, so be sure to consider using another mode while you get in a vanpool.


What can I do to improve my chances of finding a vanpool?

Sign up in RideshareOnline.com and use the Ride Match menu to add a trip corresponding to your commute. Search for matches and if you find any matching vanpools, be sure to contact those vanpools through the system. When you contact vanpoolers via the system, you are automatically added to a waitlist for the vanpool. If the vanpool has open seats or later when seats open up, you will be notified. This may take some time, so be sure to consider using another mode while you get in a vanpool. Be sure to keep your RideshareOnline.com account active by logging in periodically (once a month is sufficient).

Pro Tip - When adding a trip, you are able to locate nearby Park and Rides on the map and select those for your trip. Add a second trip from a nearby Park and Ride. This way, you will also be able to connect with vanpools that match your commute that start from the Park and Ride.


Carpool


Is RideshareOnline.com involved in cost sharing for my carpool?

No, RideshareOnline.com is not involved in cost sharing for your carpool. You should discuss and finalize cost sharing agreements with everyone in your carpool. You could choose to take turns instead of cost sharing.

Here is a tip if you decide on cost sharing. Commonly included for cost sharing: Gas and tolls. Usually not included: Parking, maintenance, insurance, licensing and depreciation. Example: Suppose the average cost of fuel is $4 per gallon and the car gives 20 miles to the gallon. For a 20 mile round trip, the total distance is 40 miles and fuel cost is $8. If there are no tolls, the cost per day is $8. For a two person carpool, the rider could pay $4 per day to split cost evenly.


How can I run my carpool efficiently?

Here are a few tips to help you run your carpool efficiently:

  • Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate the place(s) to meet for the trip home.
  • Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
  • Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. If the members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an agreement of how the costs will be shared and when payments will be made.
  • Be punctual. Decide how long the driver and/or fellow carpoolers are expected to wait. Exchange cell phone numbers so that you may notify each other if you are running late.
  • Establish policies. Smoking or non-smoking; music and volume; food and/or drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially and openly.
  • Establish a chain of communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a rider is ill or will not be working, the rider should contact the driver as soon as possible.
  • Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean (free of trash and debris) and safe. Make sure to schedule regular maintenance on your vehicle.
  • Check with your employer to see if they offer an emergency ride home.
  • Keep contact numbers of all parties and numbers of persons to contact in case of an emergency.


Ride Matches


I did not find rideshare matches for my trips. What can I do?

Here are a few things you can do.

  • By default, the system only shows matches that correspond to your trip times. Be sure to check for matches at other times. Go to the My Trips menu and for the trip in question, select "Find Matches". Then in the Trip Search box, use the "Advanced Search Options", uncheck the box "Check this box if trip times should match" and search again.
  • Add a second trip. Use the map view to locate nearby Park and Rides on the map and select those for your second trip. Also be sure to check the box "I am flexible" to increase the matching time window.


What can I do to improve my chances of rideshare matching?

Make sure you set your trip time match preference as "I am flexible". Find this option under My Trips. For the trip in question, click on "More Options" and then "Edit Trip".


Logging Your Trips


How do I log trips?

Logging trips is easy whether you choose to use the website or use the Trip Logger app.

For logging trips using the site, go to the Calendar menu. Select a mode from the list, confirm details and click on the calendar date. You can log multiple trips on each day. If your commute involves more than one mode, you can log separate trips corresponding to the different modes you take. For instance, if you take the bus and walk, log your bus trips and walk trips for day.

You can also use the TripLogger App to log trips in your account. Be sure to first sign up for the site and use the same account from the mobile app.


What is the purpose of a trip log template?

Trip log templates make it even easier for you to log recurring trips allowing you to log trips for the week or month with just a couple of clicks.

Trip log templates must first be set up. Go to the Calendar menu and set up a trip log template corresponding to your recurring trip.

Once set up, trips corresponding to the template are automatically logged in your account each night. These trips must be confirmed so they count for incentives. If you have set up your trip log templates, you can log into the system periodically (such as once in two weeks) and confirm your trips.


TripLogger App


What is the TripLogger App?

The SmartRideshare TripLogger app can be used to log trips to your trip log calendar. If you have set up a Trip Log Template, the app can also be used to confirm trips that are posted to your account based on the template.

Note - You must first sign up using the RideshareOnline.com website before you can use the app.

iOS App

  • You can download and install from here.
  • The iOS App requires an Apple supported version of iOS. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
  • The link to the iOS app is here: iCarpool TripLogger. You'll also find documentation about the features of the app there.

Android App
  • You can download and install it from here.
  • The Android App requires a Google supported version of Android. It is compatible with phones and tablets.
  • The link to the Android app is here: iCarpool TripLogger. You'll also find documentation about the features of the app there.


What's the advantage of the TripLogger app?

It's true logging trips via the RideshareOnline.com website is super easy. The TripLogger app is another way to log trips easily for those who prefer to use mobile apps.

Also, the TripLogger app sends out reminders every two weeks if you have not already logged trips. These reminders can come in handy for you to fill in your calendar.


Emissions Calculations


How are the emission calculations made?

Cost, fuel and emissions savings reflect the difference between driving alone and carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, train or bicycle, teleworking, etc.

The calculations are performed using trips logged in the calendar and use trip distance and data from AAA, U.S. Federal Transit Administration and Victoria Transport Policy Institute. Calories are calculated using data published by the CDC.


Qualifying Trips


Why are some of my trips not showing on the progress bar of an incentive I am eligible for?

Check whether your trip meets the mode and date requirements for the incentive. If you still believe the trips should count, contact the network that is sponsoring the incentive. Contact information is listed on your home page. If you still have an issue, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


Help! My trips are not counting for the incentive.

This can happen if you joined the sponsoring network after you logged trips in your calendar. If this is the case, go to your calendar and delete the trips logged earlier, and log those trips again. If you still have an issue, contact the network that is sponsoring the incentive. Contact information is listed on your home page. You can also send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


Sponsoring Networks


Who provides the incentives? Which incentives am I eligible for?

Certain employers and public agencies are set up as networks in the RideshareOnline.com system, and they provide incentives with broad goals of trip reduction and promoting alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, carpools, vanpools, etc. You may be eligible for incentives provided by networks associated with your accounts. To find the networks associated with your account, go to the Profile - My Networks menu.


I don't see any incentives under "Available Rewards". What is wrong?

It may be that there are no incentives currently being offered. You can only view incentives currently being offered by networks associated with your account. Is your account missing any network association?

Check the following:

  • Make sure you home address is correct. You can find it in the Profile - My Locations menu option.
  • Make sure your work address is correct. You can find it in the Profile - My Locations menu option.
  • Make sure you see your employer network. You can find your employer network in the Profile - My Networks menu option.


If you know of incentives offered that are missing in view, contact the network that is sponsoring the incentive. Contact information is listed on your home page. If you still have an issue, send us an email at support@rideshareonline.com.


System Requirements


What do I need to use the site?

You need a compatible browser to use the site. Google's Chrome is the preferred browser. Edge and Firefox (latest) are supported. IE 11 (the eleventh and final version of the Internet Explorer) is supported at this time.

Note - Microsoft is in the process of removing support for Internet Explorer. Once Microsoft removes support for Internet Explorer, it will no longer be supported for use with the site.


About Your Data


Will my addresses be shared with other users?

No, addresses entered are not shared. When ridematching, your trip origin and destination will appear as locations on the map when a searching user finds your trip as a match. Please note that the location coordinates have a high precision and may be a few yards or meters from the address you entered.

To avoid this, you may either:

  • Enter the address of a nearby location such as an intersection, library or a coffee shop; or
  • Use the map to select a different nearby location for sharing such as a Park & Ride lot or a public park.


How is my information used?

Use of information in RideshareOnline.com is intended solely for ridesharing and supporting trip reduction programs as specified in the site Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. RideshareOnline.com does not rent or sell your personal information to third parties.


Who can access my account information?

Network administrators for the networks listed on your My Networks page may access your account in order to support trip reduction services and provide customer service assistance. Support administrators may also access your information to answer questions and resolve issues.


Legal


What about insurance and liability?

RideshareOnline.com does not provide any insurance coverage nor assume any liability. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider whether your ridesharing activities are covered under your insurance policy.