Blasius feeds the names, addresses and work locations of potential car-poolers, and the RideShare computer matches compatible commuters. The motivation for most people is saving money. Confirmed car-poolers say any hassles are well worth the advantages. They alternate cars and split gas and parking costs. They found that car pooling is cheaper and easier than facing the crowded roads alone.
Some commuters get together and create a van pool.
Addie Conard is part of a 14-person van pool from Ann Arbor to downtown Detroit. During the morning commute, most of passengers take a quick nap or listen to a Walkman. If for one reason or another, a member of a van or car pool has to stay late, the Council of Governments will pay the taxi fare for a rider to get home up to six times per year. Still, finding matches can be difficult. Gregg Steele, who has been car pooling from Macomb County to Detroit for years, said his name has been in the RideShare computer for eight years and he has had only one call from an interested car-pooler.