Ridesharing Models for Rural Transportation
Ridesharing is defined as transportation arranged through a third party where a person is a passenger in a private automobile. Ridesharing can be offered by nonprofit or for-profit rideshare services organizations. Ridesharing by nonprofit organizations is typically delivered by volunteer drivers for a specified trip purpose, such as medical or healthcare appointments. Rides are typically scheduled in advance by telephone, and many nonprofit organizations provide services free of charge.
For-profit rideshare services are delivered by transportation network companies (TNCs). TNCs are also referred to as ride-hailing or ridesharing services. Lyft and Uber are the largest TNCs in the U.S. These real-time ridesharing services have been increasing in popularity, moving outside of urban settings and into suburban and rural areas. TNCs hire drivers as independent contractors, and drivers use their personal vehicles to provide transportation. Rides are typically scheduled on demand, requested online or through a smartphone app, and for a fee. Many TNCs use global positioning systems (GPS) to calculate a driver's route and arrange a shared trip.
Ridesharing may also refer to other types of shared mobility, such as programs in which one or more organization operates the same vehicle during different periods of time (vehicle sharing), and models in which passenger trips are combined for passengers with a common destination (carpooling and vanpooling). Vanpools are made up of groups of 5 to 15 passengers who ride together in vans to a common destination, most often to their place of employment. Vanpools use vehicles larger than cars, but smaller than buses. Vanpooling is typically used by rural residents to travel long distances to their worksites. Transit agencies, employers, groups of employees, or other organizations can organize vanpools. Some employers may choose to pay for the vanpool or offer discounts to employees who use the service.
There is evidence that suggests that carpool and rideshare programs can increase mobility and improve quality of life. These programs also reduce emissions, traffic congestion, and vehicle miles traveled.
Examples of Ridesharing Programs
- The Dakota Area Resources and Transportation for Seniors (DARTS) is a vehicle sharing program in Dakota County, Minnesota. DARTS is a community-based nonprofit that aims to connect community members to resources that help them remain active and connected to their community. DARTS lends buses to local nonprofit organizations. For example, the organization provided a bus to area churches to provide rides to church for residents unable to drive.
- Mason Transit Authority (MTA) offers a vanpooling program for residents of rural Mason County, Washington. MTA provides a van, resources for joining or starting a vanpool, and assists in rider recruitment using a computerized ride matching service. The vanpool program uses volunteer drivers and individual fares based on mileage and number of riders.
- JAUNT provides regional transportation services to 7 counties in central Virginia, 4 of which are rural. JAUNT provides rides to work, healthcare appointments, recreational activities, and other destinations. JAUNT currently operates 90 vehicles and uses federal, state, and local funds to supplement fares received from riders.
Considerations for Implementation
Rideshare programs offer flexibility and transportation on-demand; however, they may not meet the needs of all people. For example, older adults or people with disabilities may require personal assistance not offered by all rideshare programs. Nonprofit rideshare programs staffed by volunteers may provide door-to-door or door-through-door assistance, and help with packages and seat belts. Personal preferences and concerns about safety and trust may impact whether people choose to use a rideshare service, and the type of rideshare service they use.
Some rural communities may not have access to rideshare services, particularly TNCs. Additionally, if nonprofit rideshare services exist in rural communities, they may not be able to meet the demand for these services. Nonprofit rideshare services are staffed by volunteers and therefore may only operate on certain days, impacting the ability of rural residents to depend on these services to meet their needs on a day-to-day basis.
Implementation considerations for rural transportation programs using shared vehicles include the need for coordination between organizations to use vehicles at times that are beneficial to their organization and clients, and maintenance of shared vehicles. Organizations need to make clear expectations around who will be responsible for routine and emergency maintenance of shared vehicles. In addition to deciding on vehicle maintenance, organizations should agree on who will be allowed to operate the vehicles and what kind of insurance is needed.
Program Clearinghouse Examples
Resources to Learn More
Characteristics of
Ride Share Services for Older Adults in the United States
Document
Describes the types of rideshare services available to older adults in the U.S., including key
differences between nonprofit and for-profit rideshare services.
Author(s): Freund, K., Bayne, A., Siegfried, A., et al.
Citation: Journal of Safety Research, 72, 9-19
Date: 2/2020
Vehicle Sharing Among Human Service Providers
in Minnesota: Steps to Address Barriers
Document
Summarizes regulatory, policy, and operational barriers to vehicle sharing particularly among private
human services providers in Minnesota and recommends solutions to address the barriers.
Author(s): Douma, F. & Garry, T.
Organization(s): Minnesota Council on Transportation Access
Date: 9/2013