RIDE Solutions and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation have launched a new, statewide ridematching system to help commuters explore their transportation options. The new system, part of the Commute!VA statewide network, provides a suite of instant ridematching tools on mobile devices and through the www.ridesolutions.org website to help citizens connect to carpool, transit, and bike commuting opportunities.
“Our new software represents a huge leap forward in the level of service we are able to offer,” said RIDE Solutions Program Director Jeremy Holmes. “Commuters can instantly find and communicate with potential carpool partners, join vanpools, and find transit or bike buddies to help them navigate their transportation choices, all via their smartphone or the web.”
An exciting feature of the new system, powered by the software platform Agile Mile, is the addition of a robust rewards system. Users can log their telework days, carpool, transit, bike, and vanpool trips to earn points that can be cashed in for over 2,000 different rewards at local and national businesses. RIDE Solutions hopes to work with retailers and restaurants across central and southwest Virginia to offer more reward options.
Additionally, the new system will allow commuters to match to destinations across the state and into areas not covered by existing programs, allowing long-distance, event, and one-time ridematching.
Chris Arabia, Manager of Statewide Mobility Programs for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation said, “We are excited to partner with RIDE Solutions and commuter assistance programs across the Commonwealth to provide statewide ridematching through Commute!VA. This is the next step in DRPT’s continuing commitment to provide transportation options that help move more people on our transportation system, reduce congestion and emissions, and provide mobility solutions for all our citizens.”
The new app can be found at www.ridesolutions.org or downloaded from the Apple store or Google Play
RIDE Solutions is a commuter services program operated by the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission in cooperation with the New River Valley Planning District Commission, the Central Virginia Planning District Commission, and the West Piedmont Planning District Commission. It provides multimodal trip planning services for citizens and employers throughout Central and Southwest Virginia.
