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N.C. Air Awareness Program >> Triangle Commute Options

Triangle Commute Solution: Carpool
Carpooling is easy, inexpensive, and flexible! Carpooling is when two or more people share a ride to or from work. Participants may take turns driving their own cars, or a single driver may make all the trips. Some employers offer a Guaranteed Ride Home program for registered or regular carpoolers, making carpooling a favorite among alternative commuters. Rewards of Carpooling Financial savings Stress reduction A more productive commute More control over your work schedule Vehicle maintenance reduced Premium Parking spaces at some organizations Possible lower insurance premiums (check with your insurance agent) Reduced traffic congestion Improved air quality now and for future generations Reduced need for parking Guaranteed Ride Home Triangle Guaranteed Ride Home Programs Getting Started Employer Ridematching Services Your transportation coordinator or human resources department may be able to provide information on existing carpools at your company, or they may provide you with the names of co-workers who live near you so you can start a new carpool. Some employers offer preferred parking, a guaranteed ride home program, and other incentives for carpoolers. Ask your employer if they have a transportation coordinator or ridematching service, or if they offer carpool incentives. Triangle Transit Authority Ridesharing Services TTA Rideshare Program provides economical alternative transportation options to commuters. The program offerings a vanpool and carpool matching service that is confidential and easy. Simply fill out TTA's rideshare match form (http://www.ridetta.org/formcvm.html). Once the form is submitted, TTA's community assistance specialists will let you know if anyone in the rideshare database has a similar route and work schedule. To learn more about TTA's rideshare services (http://www.ridetta.org/rshare.html) or call Brian Fahey, Community Assistance Specialist, at (919)485-7465 or bfahey@ridetta.org Park and Ride Park and Ride lots are part of your commute solution! Park and Ride lots provide a place for the alternative commuter to meet a car/vanpool and catch or transfer buses. There are over 49 park and ride lots located in and around the Triangle. Some are conveniently located along TTA's bus routes and others, while not near a bus line, are good meeting places for van and carpoolers. Some lots are shared facilities with the businesses that own or lease the property. TTA requests that you be respectful of their property and encourages you to patronize their businesses. TTA park and ride lots are located in the following areas: Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Wake Forest, and Wendell. Park and Ride Lots APEX (TTA Bus Route available) Shepherd's Vineyard Drive adjacent to Lake Pine Plaza Shopping Center off of US 64 has ample on-street parking near the bus stop for park and ride patrons. This location is along TTA's Route 302 service connecting Cary with NC State University, downtown Raleigh, and RTP via Davis Drive. CARY (TTA Bus Routes available) The following park and ride locations are along TTA's Route 301/302 service (formerly the Gold Line) connecting Cary with both Downtown Raleigh and RTP Amtrak Station Shared lot is located in Downtown Cary between Harrison Avenue and Academy Street. The Route 301 bus will stop directly in front of the Station when heading north along Harrison Avenue and then to RTP, and directly across from the station when heading south along Kildaire Farm Road and then to Raleigh. Kroger Plaza Shared lot is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Kildaire Farm Road and Kilmayne Drive (one block south of Maynard Road). The Route 301 bus will stop on the north side (Kroger Plaza side) of Kilmayne Drive when heading north, and across the street on the south side of Kilmayne Drive when heading south. Waverly Place Shared lot is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road. The Route 302 bus stops here, heading to NC State University and downtown Raleigh or Research Triangle Park. South Hills Mall Shared lot is located along Buck Jones Road, east of Walnut Street. The Route 301 bus will stop on the south side (South Hills Mall side) of Buck Jones Road when traveling toward Raleigh, and across the street on the north side of Buck Jones Road when heading toward south and central Cary. CHAPEL HILL Eubanks Road Lot is located off I-40 at exit 266 near the Chapel Hill Industrial Park. Southern Village Lot is located at 206 Arlen Drive, off Hwy 86. FUQUAY-VARINA Sunset Plaza lot is on Highway 401N at Sunset Lake Road. GARNER Garner Village Shopping Center lot is located on U.S. Highway 70 at Aversboro Rd. HILLSBOROUGH (TTA Bus Routes available) Hillsborough Commons Shopping Center Lot is located near the intersection of Church Avenue and King Street. No bus route available. Triangle SportsPlex On TTA bus route 410 Hillsborough/Durham. Wayside Baptist Church / US 70 On TTA bus route 410 Hillsborough/Durham. HOLLY SPRINGS Holly Springs Town Hall Parking Annex is off Hwy 55, at the corner of Ballentine and Avent Ferry Road. KNIGHTDALE Steeple Square Shopping Center is off U.S. 64 E, across from Walmart Plaza. RALEIGH (TTA Bus Route 101) The following park and ride location is along TTA's Route 101 (formerly Red Line) service connecting Downtown Raleigh with RTP State Fairgrounds Park and Ride Lot Located off of Blue Ridge Road in a gravel parking lot. This facility is available as a Park and Ride facility to TTA and North Carolina State University WolfLine passengers except during the State Fair. TTA buses heading toward RTP stop northbound, across Blue Ridge Road from the parking lot. TTA buses heading toward NC State University and downtown Raleigh stop southbound on Blue Ridge Road, adjacent to the parking lot. RALEIGH (TTA Bus Route 201) The following park and ride locations are along TTA's Route 201 (formerly Orange Line) service connecting North Raleigh with RTP Pleasant Valley Park and Ride Is a shared facility located near the movie theaters in the Pleasant Valley Promenade Shopping Center. Park and ride bus stop signs are posted near the available spaces. The Pleasant Valley Promenade Shopping Center is located at the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road, south of Millbrook Road. Shelley Lake Park and Ride Iis the parking lot for Shelley Sertoma Park, located on the north side of Millbrook Road, east of the intersection with Lead Mine Road. Exchange Park Park and Ride Iis the parking lot for Millbrook Exchange Park, located on the north side of Spring Forest Road, adjacent to Millbrook High School, and west of the intersection with Litchford Road / Atlantic Avenue. WAKE FOREST Wake Forest Plaza is located near the corner of Elm Avenue and White Street in downtown Wake Forest. WENDELL IGA Foodliner is off Business 64 on Wendell Boulevard, near Wendell Elementary School. Guidelines to Consider when Starting a Carpool Establish a trial period for the carpool. A few weeks is a good period of time for determining if all participants want to continue with the carpool. Determine drop-off and pick-up points and times. Most carpools do this at either residences or common meeting points such as Park & Ride lots (link to Park and Ride document). Those who must drive to join up with the carpool can leave their cars at a Park & Ride lot. The Triangle has approximately 20 lots conveniently located around the region. Some are conveniently located along bus routes, and others, while not on bus lines, may be good meeting places for van and carpoolers. Some lots are shared facilities with the businesses that own or lease the property. SmartCommute@RTP and the local transit authorities requests that you me mindful of their property and encourages you to patronize their businesses. You may also be able to establish a park and ride lot that is convenient to your carpool's residences by speaking with property management of a desired location. Decide if one person will drive, or if the responsibility will rotate. Most carpools rotate driving responsibilities. If you rotate drivers, determine the schedule and the rotation. Determine how costs will be split. Discuss personal preferences before the first day. Radio on or off? If on, what station will you listen to? Is smoking, eating or drinking permitted? How long should the driver wait for a late passenger? Establish a chain of communication to notify each other of illness or other changes affecting the group. Check your insurance coverage. Some companies offer rate reductions depending on how often you carpool. Talk to your employer Some organizations offer a guaranteed ride home program, premium parking, and other incentives for carpoolers. Practice the three C's of a successful carpool. Consideration, Compromise, Commitment. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to carpool everyday? No! You can carpool a few days a week or every day. You and your carpool partner(s) decide the schedule. What if I have an emergency, or find out I have to work late? Many employers have a Guaranteed Ride Home that provides a free ride home for carpoolers, vanpoolers, and bus riders in the case of an emergency. If they do not, you can take the bus, borrow a car, or take a cab. What if I have to drive my child to daycare or school? Make the daycare center/school your carpool meeting place, or arrange a carpool with the other parents. What if I have a "doctor appointment" or "errands to run" before or after work? Schedule your errands and appointments on the days you don't carpool. Sharing a ride for just two or three days a week will still save you money and stress, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality. What if I feel uncomfortable carpooling with a stranger? That's understandable. It is suggested that you meet your potential carpool participant in a public place before you commit to carpooling. Meet, talk, and decide whether you would feel comfortable sharing a ride. You are not obligated to carpool by using a rideshare matching service. In addition, it is suggested that you agree upon a trial period to test the carpool waters. This will protect all participants from feeling awkward if after a short period of time, they decide to leave the carpool. What if I do not own a car? No problem. Join a carpool that doesn't need a driver and pay your share of the gas and parking (if applicable). How much does it cost? If the driving is rotated equally, no money needs to change hands. You only pay for gas and parking (if applicable) the day you drive. How much will I save? The more carpoolers in your group, the more savings you can expect. Sharing a ride with just one other person cuts your approximate daily commute costs by half. The average carpooler saves over $1000 a year.

Triangle Commute Solution: Carpool

Carpooling is easy, inexpensive, and flexible!
Carpooling is when two or more people share a ride to or from work. Participants may take turns driving their own cars, or a single driver may make all the trips. Some employers offer a Guaranteed Ride Home program for registered or regular carpoolers, making carpooling a favorite among alternative commuters.

Rewards of Carpooling

Financial savings
Stress reduction
A more productive commute
More control over your work schedule
Vehicle maintenance reduced
Premium Parking spaces at some organizations
Possible lower insurance premiums (check with your insurance agent)
Reduced traffic congestion
Improved air quality now and for future generations
Reduced need for parking

Guaranteed Ride Home

Triangle Guaranteed Ride Home Programs

Getting Started

Employer Ridematching Services
Your transportation coordinator or human resources department may be able to provide information on existing carpools at your company, or they may provide you with the names of co-workers who live near you so you can start a new carpool. Some employers offer preferred parking, a guaranteed ride home program, and other incentives for carpoolers. Ask your employer if they have a transportation coordinator or ridematching service, or if they offer carpool incentives.

Triangle Transit Authority Ridesharing Services
TTA Rideshare Program provides economical alternative transportation options to commuters. The program offerings a vanpool and carpool matching service that is confidential and easy. Simply fill out TTA's rideshare match form (http://www.ridetta.org/formcvm.html). Once the form is submitted, TTA's community assistance specialists will let you know if anyone in the rideshare database has a similar route and work schedule. To learn more about TTA's rideshare services (http://www.ridetta.org/rshare.html) or call Brian Fahey, Community Assistance Specialist, at (919)485-7465 or bfahey@ridetta.org

Park and Ride
Park and Ride lots are part of your commute solution! Park and Ride lots provide a place for the alternative commuter to meet a car/vanpool and catch or transfer buses. There are over 49 park and ride lots located in and around the Triangle. Some are conveniently located along TTA's bus routes and others, while not near a bus line, are good meeting places for van and carpoolers. Some lots are shared facilities with the businesses that own or lease the property. TTA requests that you be respectful of their property and encourages you to patronize their businesses. TTA park and ride lots are located in the following areas: Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Wake Forest, and Wendell.

Park and Ride Lots

APEX (TTA Bus Route available)
Shepherd's Vineyard Drive adjacent to Lake Pine Plaza Shopping Center off of US 64 has ample on-street parking near the bus stop for park and ride patrons. This location is along TTA's Route 302 service connecting Cary with NC State University, downtown Raleigh, and RTP via Davis Drive.

CARY (TTA Bus Routes available)
The following park and ride locations are along TTA's Route 301/302 service (formerly the Gold Line) connecting Cary with both Downtown Raleigh and RTP
- Amtrak Station
  Shared lot is located in Downtown Cary between Harrison Avenue and Academy Street. The Route 301 bus will stop directly in front of the Station when heading north along Harrison Avenue and then to RTP, and directly across from the station when heading south along Kildaire Farm Road and then to Raleigh.
- Kroger Plaza
  Shared lot is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Kildaire Farm Road and Kilmayne Drive (one block south of Maynard Road). The Route 301 bus will stop on the north side (Kroger Plaza side) of Kilmayne Drive when heading north, and across the street on the south side of Kilmayne Drive when heading south.
- Waverly Place
  Shared lot is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road. The Route 302 bus stops here, heading to NC State University and downtown Raleigh or Research Triangle Park.
- South Hills Mall
  Shared lot is located along Buck Jones Road, east of Walnut Street. The Route 301 bus will stop on the south side (South Hills Mall side) of Buck Jones Road when traveling toward Raleigh, and across the street on the north side of Buck Jones Road when heading toward south and central Cary.
CHAPEL HILL
- Eubanks Road
  Lot is located off I-40 at exit 266 near the Chapel Hill Industrial Park.
- Southern Village
  Lot is located at 206 Arlen Drive, off Hwy 86.
FUQUAY-VARINA
Sunset Plaza lot is on Highway 401N at Sunset Lake Road.

GARNER
Garner Village Shopping Center lot is located on U.S. Highway 70 at Aversboro Rd.

HILLSBOROUGH (TTA Bus Routes available)
- Hillsborough Commons Shopping Center
  Lot is located near the intersection of Church Avenue and King Street. No bus route available.
- Triangle SportsPlex
  On TTA bus route 410 Hillsborough/Durham.
- Wayside Baptist Church / US 70
  On TTA bus route 410 Hillsborough/Durham.
HOLLY SPRINGS
Holly Springs Town Hall Parking Annex is off Hwy 55, at the corner of Ballentine and Avent Ferry Road.

KNIGHTDALE
Steeple Square Shopping Center is off U.S. 64 E, across from Walmart Plaza.

RALEIGH (TTA Bus Route 101)
The following park and ride location is along TTA's Route 101 (formerly Red Line) service connecting Downtown Raleigh with RTP

State Fairgrounds Park and Ride Lot
Located off of Blue Ridge Road in a gravel parking lot. This facility is available as a Park and Ride facility to TTA and North Carolina State University WolfLine passengers except during the State Fair. TTA buses heading toward RTP stop northbound, across Blue Ridge Road from the parking lot. TTA buses heading toward NC State University and downtown Raleigh stop southbound on Blue Ridge Road, adjacent to the parking lot.

RALEIGH (TTA Bus Route 201)
The following park and ride locations are along TTA's Route 201 (formerly Orange Line) service connecting North Raleigh with RTP

Pleasant Valley Park and Ride
Is a shared facility located near the movie theaters in the Pleasant Valley Promenade Shopping Center. Park and ride bus stop signs are posted near the available spaces. The Pleasant Valley Promenade Shopping Center is located at the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road, south of Millbrook Road.
Shelley Lake Park and Ride
Iis the parking lot for Shelley Sertoma Park, located on the north side of Millbrook Road, east of the intersection with Lead Mine Road.
Exchange Park Park and Ride
Iis the parking lot for Millbrook Exchange Park, located on the north side of Spring Forest Road, adjacent to Millbrook High School, and west of the intersection with Litchford Road / Atlantic Avenue.

WAKE FOREST
Wake Forest Plaza is located near the corner of Elm Avenue and White Street in downtown Wake Forest.

WENDELL
IGA Foodliner is off Business 64 on Wendell Boulevard, near Wendell Elementary School.

Guidelines to Consider when Starting a Carpool

Establish a trial period for the carpool.
A few weeks is a good period of time for determining if all participants want to continue with the carpool.

Determine drop-off and pick-up points and times.
Most carpools do this at either residences or common meeting points such as Park & Ride lots (link to Park and Ride document). Those who must drive to join up with the carpool can leave their cars at a Park & Ride lot. The Triangle has approximately 20 lots conveniently located around the region. Some are conveniently located along bus routes, and others, while not on bus lines, may be good meeting places for van and carpoolers. Some lots are shared facilities with the businesses that own or lease the property. SmartCommute@RTP and the local transit authorities requests that you me mindful of their property and encourages you to patronize their businesses. You may also be able to establish a park and ride lot that is convenient to your carpool's residences by speaking with property management of a desired location.

Decide if one person will drive, or if the responsibility will rotate.
Most carpools rotate driving responsibilities. If you rotate drivers, determine the schedule and the rotation.

Determine how costs will be split.

Discuss personal preferences before the first day.
Radio on or off? If on, what station will you listen to? Is smoking, eating or drinking permitted? How long should the driver wait for a late passenger?

Establish a chain of communication to notify each other of illness or other changes affecting the group.

Check your insurance coverage.
Some companies offer rate reductions depending on how often you carpool.

Talk to your employer
Some organizations offer a guaranteed ride home program, premium parking, and other incentives for carpoolers.

Practice the three C's of a successful carpool.
Consideration, Compromise, Commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to carpool everyday?
No! You can carpool a few days a week or every day. You and your carpool partner(s) decide the schedule.

What if I have an emergency, or find out I have to work late?
Many employers have a Guaranteed Ride Home that provides a free ride home for carpoolers, vanpoolers, and bus riders in the case of an emergency. If they do not, you can take the bus, borrow a car, or take a cab.

What if I have to drive my child to daycare or school?
Make the daycare center/school your carpool meeting place, or arrange a carpool with the other parents.

What if I have a "doctor appointment" or "errands to run" before or after work?
Schedule your errands and appointments on the days you don't carpool. Sharing a ride for just two or three days a week will still save you money and stress, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality.

What if I feel uncomfortable carpooling with a stranger?
That's understandable. It is suggested that you meet your potential carpool participant in a public place before you commit to carpooling. Meet, talk, and decide whether you would feel comfortable sharing a ride. You are not obligated to carpool by using a rideshare matching service. In addition, it is suggested that you agree upon a trial period to test the carpool waters. This will protect all participants from feeling awkward if after a short period of time, they decide to leave the carpool.

What if I do not own a car?
No problem. Join a carpool that doesn't need a driver and pay your share of the gas and parking (if applicable).

How much does it cost?
If the driving is rotated equally, no money needs to change hands. You only pay for gas and parking (if applicable) the day you drive.

How much will I save?
The more carpoolers in your group, the more savings you can expect. Sharing a ride with just one other person cuts your approximate daily commute costs by half. The average carpooler saves over $1000 a year.