What is Match&Go?
The Match&Go PA program isn't just about carpooling—it is a free service that can match you with convenient transit options, vanpool groups, and even walking and bicycling opportunities, if you live or work in the five-county southeastern Pennsylvania region.
What is a carpool?
A carpool is considered to be a car carrying 2 to 4 people. Carpools are usually proposed for those employees living in areas where few other employees live or where transit is not available. Arrangements can be made for one employee to drive or for all pool participants to share responsibilities. Cost varies per the travel distance and the number of riders involved.
What is a vanpool?
Vanpools are vans or vehicles that can hold 6 to 15 people. This option can be considered for employees clustered in one area, where a larger vehicle is more efficient than multiple cars, or when commuters have a longer distance to travel. These services can be arranged through a third-party vanpool provider with little or no company involvement, or handled with company-provided vehicles. Costs are divided among pool members, and drivers are usually allowed limited use of the vehicle outside of commuting times.
What if I am near public transportation but want to carpool?
The program will list all your options. However, the Match&Go program will suggest using public transit whenever it is convenient for employees whose home and work sites are near bus, train, subway, or trolley lines. Contact your local transit provider for information on fares and schedules.
Who is responsible for setting up carpools/vanpools?
The Match&Go program matches commuters with others who have the same travel patterns and similar working hours. A match list is provided, but the commuter or user is responsible for arranging a carpool or vanpool and determining pickup/drop-off times, locations, and costs. When employers use Match&Go to match employees as a group, either a company representative or their TripSmart PA contact can help organize pools.
How much will this service cost?
One of the most attractive features about the Match&Go program is that the matching services are free! DVRPC can offer these matching services at no charge through support from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
How soon will I receive information about a ride match?
You should receive your match information right after you register for Match&Go and enter your home and destination information. If there are not any matches when you first sign up, you will be alerted when a new applicant could be a potential match. You can also turn off the match function if you are already part of a vanpool or carpool that is full.
What happens if I have an emergency and need a ride?
If you have an unexpected personal or family emergency or illness, unscheduled overtime, or if your regular carpool or vanpool ride is not available for certain reasons, registered commuters are reimbursed for a ride home, to their car, or to the emergency location. You must sign up for ERH through the Match&Go program. Learn more about Emergency Ride Home (ERH).
Are there other programs like this outside of the region?
Ridematch programs are usually based on one’s destination (worksite, event, etc.), not where one lives. There are several ridematch programs available across Pennsylvania and in southern New Jersey and Delaware:
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Commuteinfo.org
In and around State College: CATA
Greater Susquehanna Valley: Commute PA
Central New Jersey: Greater Mercer TMA