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Vanpool FAQs

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1. How do I become a vanpool passenger?

Call Rideshare at 770-949-7665 or come by our office in the Transportation Center. Fill out a simple Passenger Information Sheet that tells us your home and work locations and your work hours. We will use that information to determine if there is a van that fits your schedule. If one of our vans fits your schedule and has a seat available, we will offer it to you while advising you of the pickup and drop-off locations and times.

If you choose to become a passenger, all you have to do is pay your fare and pick up a boarding pass.

2. What is the monthly fare for vanpooling?

Most riders pay $82 to $98 per month, depending on the length of their daily round trip. Fares may exceed $98 for vanpools that operate outside of the Atlanta metro area. Your fare is due on the last working day of the month. This represents an advance payment for the upcoming month. You can drop off your fare at the Transportation Center, mail it or conveniently pay online.

Our mailing address is:
Rideshare
8800 Dorris Road
Douglasville, GA 30134

When you pay your fare, you will be given a Boarding Pass. No one is allowed to ride on a van without a current, valid boarding pass.

3. Will my monthly fare for vanpooling always be the same, or could it be increased or decreased?

Your fare could increase under certain circumstances, such as a significant increase in your van’s daily roundtrip mileage or a significant, unanticipated, unbudgeted increase in expenses (example: gas prices, higher insurance costs). Riders will be given ample notice when a fare increase is planned.

4. Are there any expenses for vanpooling in addition to my monthly passenger fare?

Possibly. Some vans have to pay for parking at their work destinations. The driver is responsible for paying the parking fare and will collect an equal amount from each passenger to pay for parking. There is no charge for any of our pickup points in Douglas County. If passengers decide a van needs sunshades, cushions or similar items, they will pay for such items themselves. Also, each van sets its own policy for collecting money for items such as flowers or gifts.

5. What are my van fares used for?

Rideshare’s vanpool program pays for itself. Your fares are used to pay for the van’s gas, oil, insurance, regular maintenance and repairs. A portion of monthly fares is set aside to purchase replacement vans.

6. Tell me about my van driver.

Your driver is just like you. He or she has a regular job, and drives on a volunteer basis for Rideshare. Volunteers drive in exchange for not having to pay a monthly vanpool fare. Rideshare puts drivers through a training program. This program includes:

• A check of a driver’s Motor Vehicle Record with the state
• Completion of an application that includes a driving history and drug screening
• Completion of a defensive driving course
• A road test with a member of the Rideshare staff
• Your driver is authorized to make day-to-day decisions regarding the operation of the van, including temporary route changes because of traffic or road construction

7. My husband is confined to a wheelchair. Can he participate in the vanpool program?

Individuals with physical limitations or other special needs are encouraged to participate in the vanpool program. The only requirement is that their work location and hours fall within Rideshare’s regularly scheduled service. Rideshare does not offer at-home pickup or off-peak service.

8. Can I eat on the van, or have a soft drink or coffee? What about smoking?

Each van is allowed to make its own rules regarding eating and drinking. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. If you do eat, or drink coffee or soft drinks, we do ask that you try to keep the van clean. Smoking is absolutely prohibited.

9. Where will I sit on the van?

Passengers on each van are encouraged to agree to a seating pattern that will allow for the most efficient operation of the van. Rideshare staff gladly works with individuals who have conditions that may require special seating considerations.

10. What if I need to come home during the day?

Rideshare has a Guaranteed Ride Home emergency service to get you home.

11. What if I get left at my workplace in the afternoon?

Again, Rideshare offers emergency service, up to three times a year, through area taxi services. However, we encourage passengers to make sure they are at their pickup points on time so they won’t get left behind.

12. What if I miss the van in the morning?

You must provide your own way to work. We have no provision for this service.

13. What about holidays?

The vans don’t run on most major holidays. If you have to work on those days, you have to provide your own transportation. There are some holidays on which some vans run and others don’t. If you need to work that day and are assigned to one of the vans that is not running, we will try to place you on another van for that day. 

Normally, you do not deduct holidays from your monthly payment. The only time you would deduct a holiday is when you work on a non-major day such as Columbus Day when Rideshare is not able to place you on another van.

14. What happens if a van breaks down on the way to or from work?

Passengers will be picked up by other vans or by a backup van dispatched by the Rideshare office. The van that broke down will be taken to Douglas County maintenance for repairs. When a van is in the shop for maintenance or repairs, a backup van is used to continue regular service.

15. What if I've got a gripe or complaint?

First, talk to your driver and see if they can solve the problem. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the driver, or if the driver can’t solve the problem, contact the Rideshare office.

16. Can I quit riding my van?

Yes. We do, however, ask that you notify us, preferably in writing or by email. We give prorated refunds, but they may take thirty days to process. If you do not notify us that you have stopped riding, you may not receive a refund.

17. Who sponsors Rideshare and its vanpool program?

Rideshare is a department of the Douglas County government. Administrative expenses are shared by vanpool riders and the Douglas County government. New vans and capital projects are financed with 80% money from the Federal Transit Administration, 10% from Georgia Department of Transportation, and 10% from Douglas County. Replacement vans are purchased with a portion of passenger fares that are put into a special account.

18. Can I use the transportation center even if I don't ride a Douglas County van?

Absolutely. The Transportation Center is a public facility, and Rideshare encourages all local carpoolers and vanpoolers to use it. Also, church or civic groups who are going on a bus or van trip are invited to park their vehicles at the Transportation Center while they are on their trip.