Ridesharing is commuting by any alternative form of transportation other than driving alone. To most people, 'ridesharing' means carpooling. However, 'ridesharing' also means vanpooling, bicycling, walking and using public transit.

The Trinity County Rideshare Program is designed to match people interested in ridesharing with the type of rideshare program that most suits their commuting needs. A person interested in ridesharing simply needs to call (530) 623-LIFT to recieve information on rideshare options available in Trinity County. For people who live in the areas where fixed route public transit is available, the rideshare coordinator will first provide information on routes, schedules and fares. If fixed route transit does not meet the person's needs, or the caller lives in an area not served by transit, other alternatives will be provided.

The second option usually discussed with people interested in ridesharing is the ridematching system. The ridematching portion of the Rideshare Program is for people interested in using private vehicles to rideshare (the traditional 'carpool'). Interested commuters receive matchlists of other people having similar commute routes, home and work (or school) locations and work/school hours. The matchlist contains the name, commute information and phone number of potential carpool partners only (street addresses are not disclosed). Potential carpool partners on the matchlist can arrange to meet and determine whether they are suited to carpool together and, if so, work out the details of carpooling (such as who drives, how often, pick-up/drop-off locations, etc.). Carpooling provides benefits for everyone: carpoolers save money and have fewer commute hassles, all residents enjoy cleaner air and less traffic.

For more information on transit and carpooling, to sign up for ridesharing or to request a rideshare matchlist call (530) 623-LIFT.

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