FlexVanpool

FlexVanpool is currently available in limited areas in Washington state. At this time, do not download or attempt to use if you are outside Washington state.

IMPORTANT - To use this app, you need an account in a local ridesharing program powered by SmartRideshare. Washington state users can create / use an existing account in RideShareOnline.com or one of its partner programs.


What Is It
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The FlexVanpool app makes vanpooling easy and helps your vanpool adapt to your flexible work schedule.

Vanpool Group Members
The app keeps group members well-informed, with trip-specific coordination and communication streamlined for ease. Key features like location tracking, trip updates, in-app messaging, and automated reminders make daily vanpooling simple and efficient. Automated ridership reports minimize the effort required for bookkeeping. Seats are reserved based on each rider's personal weekly schedule, and both planned and last-minute changes are easy to manage. Drivers can switch to Driver Mode, which offers enhanced tools for reviewing bookings, handling cancellations, and coordinating trips.

Group members can mix and match—joining other groups on days when their regular vanpool timing doesn't align. Groups may choose to keep rides limited to the regular "monthly" group members or open seats to occasional riders, that may join the group based on seat availability.


Flex Riders
Some commuters aren't part of a regular vanpool group, but vanpooling is often the most convenient way for them to get to work. Many vanpools have empty seats along matching routes - but until now, there's been no easy way to access them.
FlexVanpool solves this by opening up available seats in participating vanpools through a familiar online booking interface. Now, riders not part of a group (flex riders), can search for matching vanpools and book seats for single trips or multiple rides throughout the week, depending on seat availability.

What It Is Not
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- FlexVanpool is not for taking a trip to the airport or the mall. It is for commuters going to work.
- FlexVanpool is not like Uber or Lyft. The vanpool van does not come to the door to pick up the rider when a ride is booked. Instead, the van follows its regular schedule and route. Riders board along the route at times per the vanpool's schedule. This may involve a walk to a corner meeting point or a drive to the pickup point and a short wait. Rides must be booked a minimum of one hour before the departure time.


How It Works
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The app is part of the SmartRideshare platform. Users use the same account they have in SmartRideshare to login to the app and access the functionality.

- Every week, the system auto-books monthly riders and reserves a seat for them.
- During the week, group members use the app for coordination. Drivers use the app to provide trip updates and complete trips.
- Optionally, groups can allow flex riders. Empty seats based on cancellations and capacity are then opened up for flex riders.
- For drivers, there's no extra driving or waiting. Drivers simply pick-up and drop-off riders along their regular vanpool route.


Getting Started
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- If you are in Washington state and with a participating agency, get started by downloading the app.
- Login using your existing account in RideShareOnline.com or one of its partner programs. If you don't have an account, sign up and then login to the app.
- Use the app as needed for booking rides, coordination and more.