Frequently Asked Questions

Rideshare Questions

How much does the NH Rideshare program cost?

Why should I rideshare?

What if I don't have a car?

What are some guidelines for successful carpooling?

I am already in a carpool, so what can the NH Rideshare Program do for me?

I live in NH, but I work out of state… will NH Rideshare be able to help me?

How long will it take to receive my match list?

Exactly how does the NH Rideshare program work?

What if I feel uncomfortable carpooling with a stranger?

Are NH Rideshare participants screened?

What do I say when I call people on my match list?

Can I register with NH Rideshare for occasional trips such as shopping or medical appointments?

Do I have to Rideshare every day?

What if NH Rideshare can't find me a match, what else can I do?

NH Park & Ride Lot Questions

What are the NH Park & Ride lots?

How much does it cost to park at the NH Park & Ride lots?

Where are the Park & Ride lots located?

Can I park my car overnight at a NH Park & Ride lot?

Still have a question?

Rideshare Questions

How much does the NH Rideshare program cost?

Nothing – it's a FREE service.

Why Should I rideshare?

1. Save money – ridesharing will reduce your commuting cost, you can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars over the course of a year, by saving on gas, maintenance, tolls, and wear and tear on your vehicle.
2. Relax – Your commute will be more enjoyable if you don't have to drive all the time. When you are not driving, you might be able to catch up on reading, take a nap or just relax a bit.
3. Save the Environment – ridesharing takes cars off the road and thus reduces air pollution and traffic congestion, which helps preserve our precious NH environment.

What if I don't have a car?

That is okay because some commuters prefer to drive most or all of the time. You should be prepared to pay for a portion of the gas and other vehicle operating costs. These costs can be estimated and agreed upon based on the distance you will be commuting together.

What are some guidelines for successful carpooling?

Please review the Tips for Successful Carpooling .

I am already in a carpool, so what can the NH Rideshare Program do for me?

If you present carpool partner should decide not to carpool, or if you are looking to add people to your carpool, enrolling in the NH Rideshare Program would be beneficial. The NH Rideshare Program can furnish you with a list of commuters who be back up or additional carpool partners.

I live in NH, but I work out of state...will NH Rideshare be able to help me?

Yes, a large percentage of NH commuters enrolled in our program commute out of state. NH Rideshare helps people who live OR work in NH and has even partnered with the states of Maine and Vermont to form a tri-state database to provide more ridematching opportunities.

How long will it take to receive my match list?

If you register online you will receive your match list right away. If we receive your application by telephone or mail, you should receive your ride match list approximately one week after your apply.

Exactly how does the NH Rideshare program work?

NH Rideshare maintains a database of people interested in carpooling. Register for the program via the Web site www.rideshare.nh.gov. Using a computerized matching system NH Rideshare will provide you with a map, list and contact information of potential people you may be able to share a ride with either on a one-time basis or for an ongoing carpool. Either way, it is up to you to contact your potential carpool matches and determine if any of the matches seem like a good fit with your commute or trip. Note: we suggest you meet your potential ride match in a public place first to get acquainted and work out the details of your ridesharing arrangement.

What if I feel uncomfortable carpooling with a stranger?

That's understandable, that's why we suggest that you meet potential carpool partners in a public place before you commit to carpooling. Meet, talk, and decide whether or not you would feel comfortable sharing a ride. If you still feel uncomfortable after meeting, you can simply choose not to pursue the rideshare arrangement. You are not obligated to carpool. Perhaps you could agree to a trial rideshare period to test the waters. If things don't work out, the rideshare arrangement ends, no strings attached. If the arrangement is mutually agreeable, you continue to rideshare.

Are NH Rideshare participants screened?

No, NH Rideshare does not screen participants. We do not run background checks on participants nor do we check for valid driver's licenses or assess insurance coverage. We recommend that you get to know your potential carpool matches and verify licensing, insurance and vehicle registration. It is up to you to determine whether or not you feel comfortable and want to be carpooling with someone. If you should experience problems with another program participant please feel free to contact our office so that we may make a note of any relevant issues.

What do I say when I call people on my match list?

Explain why you are calling and ask any particular questions you may have about carpooling with them, some examples are; what kind of car they have, and where drop offs and pick ups might happen.

Can I register with NH Rideshare for occasional trips such as shopping or medical appointments?

For local trips, we suggest you contact a local transit provider, or a social service agency in your town. (A list of local transit providers is provided under Transit Links). If you have trouble contacting a social service agency in your town you can contact the statewide 211 service. For longer distance trips of less than 100 miles use our Trip Planner module.

Do I have to Rideshare every day?

Absolutely not, you and your rideshare partners can determine what arrangement works best for you. Some of the most successful carpools only operate a few days a week. Some people just find it more convenient to carpool one to two days a week, and use the other days for things they need to do. Even carpooling a couple of days per week, can add up to significant savings.

What if NH Rideshare can't find me a match, what else can I do?

Once you register with NH Rideshare, you remain in the database until you request that your name be removed. If there is not match today, when someone registers for the database that has a similar enough commute to yours, you will be notified by email or direct mail of a new potential match. NH Rideshare has comprehensive information on all the transit providers in New Hampshire, perhaps you can use public transit to get close to your work site. Some employers have bulletin boards either on walls or electronic where you can post that you are looking for a carpool situation.

NH Park and Ride Lot Questions

What are the NH Park & Ride lots?

NH Park & Ride lots are designed to be meeting places for commuters to park vehicles and carpool, vanpool or take transit to where they are going. The Park & Ride web page lists the amenities each lot has, including bicycle racks.

How much does it cost to park at the NH Park & Ride lots?

Right now, there is no charge.

Where are the Park & Ride lots located?

Throughout the state. Consult our statewide Park & Ride map to find where.

Can I park my car overnight at a NH Park & Ride lot?

Yes, up to a maximum of two weeks. No special sticker or decal is needed. Please note that leaving a car overnight in a NH Park & Ride lot is at your own risk, some lots are in more visible locations than others.

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