Why Rideshare?

You need at least four commuters to start and maintain a Rideshare group. Each group must have a coordinator/bookkeeper and two drivers. BFT must approve and train drivers before they operate the Rideshare vehicle. To be a driver, you must have had a driver’s license for at least five years. The minimum age to be a Rideshare passenger is 18.

Rideshare passengers pay a low monthly fare depending on mileage and the number of riders in the van. Fares cover the van’s operating costs, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. You pay your fare at the beginning of each month to reserve your seat, but you aren’t required to ride daily.

The group sets its rules, including pick-up and drop-off locations and commute schedules.

To enlist at least four riders, post signs around your building, and discuss the opportunity with coworkers and friends; we will gladly assist you in finding passengers. Once you have enough riders, call us, and we will help you through the following steps:

1. Map out a route.
2. Decide on pick-up and drop-off points.
3. Determine a schedule.
4. Choose someone to coordinate the Rideshare group.
5. Choose a bookkeeper/reporter to manage ridership.
6. Choose at least two people to drive. Driver applicants must meet specific requirements; we will screen and approve driver applications.
7. Sign up drivers for our Rideshare Driver Training.
8. Have all participants complete and sign a rider agreement.

Yes, you can! How do you join?

• If you see a van at work, please contact us with the van’s number, and we can connect you with the relevant group.
• Let us help find you one by telling us where you want to start, where you want to go, and when.

The monthly fares are based on the number of round-trip miles traveled daily, the number of days worked based on your shift, and the number of riders in the van.

For example, ten people traveling 70 miles daily and working 4-10’s would be responsible for collecting $645.30 a month, or $64.53 per person. That breaks down to less than $0.06 per person per mile per month for this commute.

The Washington State Legislature has provided funding for all state agency employees (with a few exceptions) to cover 100 percent of the cost of a qualifying vanpool fare when participating in a public transit agency vanpool program. This program is managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Not all transit agencies have a vanpool program, but Ben Franklin Transit does! Multiple state agencies have executed agreements with WSDOT to offer this benefit to their employees. Locally, Bechtel also offers subsidized rideshare rates for its VIT Plant workers.

Are you a current or interested Rideshare participant? Sign up for this new benefit by connecting with your agency’s Employee Transportation Coordinator. They can provide you with a participant agreement form.