Share-A-Ride: The Smart Choice for a Better Commute and Community

By: Tim Phelps, TMACC

Imagine a commute where the stress of traffic fades away, your wallet stays fuller, and your impact on the environment is significantly reduced. This dream can become a reality for residents of western Chester County with Share-A-Ride. “By choosing to share a ride, you’re contributing to a solution that benefits everyone in our community,” states Tim Phelps, Executive Director of Transportation Management Association of Chester County. “It’s a simple step with a significant impact.” Even sharing a ride one day a week can make a difference, and the benefits only grow if you do it more often.

Why Share a Ride?

Here is why you should consider sharing a ride:

1. Reduced Congestion: Fewer cars on the road means less traffic on the Route 30 bypass and Route 322, leading to smoother and quicker commutes.

2. Cost Savings: Splitting travel expenses like gas, tolls, and parking can save you a lot of money over time.

3. Environmental Impact: Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, lowering emissions and contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

4. Social Connections: Sharing a ride is a great way to meet new people and build community connections, turning your commute into a pleasant social experience.

5. Stress Reduction: With fewer cars on the road, your daily drive becomes less stressful, giving you more time to relax or catch up on work.

Getting Started with Share-A-Ride

Stacy Bartels at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, who manages the region’s Share-A-Ride program, highlights, “Share-A-Ride isn’t just a transportation option; it’s a lifestyle choice that enhances your quality of life and supports a sustainable future.” The upgraded Share-A-Ride website, powered by AgileMile, offers more features and new incentives. “You can earn points toward rewards every time you record your shared commute,” states Bartels.

Brian O’Leary, Executive Director of the Chester County Planning Commission, notes, “Reducing single-occupancy vehicles not only eases congestion but also aligns with Chester County’s Landscape3 long-term sustainability goals.”

Employee Rideshare Programs

Employee rideshare programs use the fact that coworkers commute to the same destination, making them familiar and accountable to one another. These programs can be promoted through company websites, apps, social media, or informal meetings.

Employers often encourage ride sharing by offering financial incentives, parking preferences, guaranteed rides home, or subsidized vanpools.

Share-A-Ride, a DVRPC initiative, is more than a commute choice; it is a commitment to a greener future. Employers can help by finding matches for their employees, and participants can track CO2 savings and earn rewards. Ride matching systems find potential matches based on location and schedule, offering features like reviews, savings calculators, and backup ride options. Businesses and organizations can provide these services to coordinate broader regional commutes.

Take Action Today!

Consider the benefits for yourself and your community: start sharing the ride to work and enjoy a more economical, less stressful, and eco-friendly commute. For more information, visit Share-A-Ride (www.sharearide.agilemile.com/tmacc) or reach out to TMACC at www.tmacc.org to get involved today!

**This article is from the Western Chester County Life magazine. Check out the full magazine here.