FAQs
What is 511NY Rideshare?
511NY Rideshare is a free program funded by the New York State Department of Transportation. We are New York's home for commuting and transportation resources—helping people who live or work in New York State improve their commutes.
Does it cost anything to become a 511NY Rideshare member?
No, there is never a cost to be a 511NY Rideshare member or to use any 511NY Rideshare resources. We will never ask for financial information.
How do I become a member of 511NY Rideshare?
Visit our contact us to be connected to a customer service representative.
I don’t want to be contacted anymore about carpooling. How do I unsubscribe from the ridematching system?
If you no longer wish to participate in ridematching, please log in to your account, choose “Edit Profile” and select the "Opt Out" button.
How do I retrieve my forgotten password?
Click on "Forgot Password? Click Here!" in the login section of the home page. You will be prompted to enter your email address to receive a temporary password. You can log in with the temporary password and then change your password on the My Profile page.
How do I change my home address or employer?
You can change any personal information, except your email address, on the My Profile page. If you would like to change your email address, contact us to be connected to one of our customer service representatives.
Will my personal information be secure?
Yes. We take your privacy very seriously. Only the contact information you agree to share in your profile will be seen by others who fit your ridematch criteria. Your information will never be shared with a third party.
If I join a carpool, am I committing to carpooling five days a week?
Absolutely not. You decide how many days during the week you want to drive with your carpool partner(s)—even once a week or once a month can make a difference!
Does it cost money to carpool?
511NY Rideshare is always completely free. Participants in carpools may determine the details of the carpool and how to split the cost. If both or all members of the carpool have vehicles, a rotation system might be the easiest way to share the cost. If only one person is driving every day, splitting costs might be the best option.
What if I don't have a car?
If you don't have a car, you can set your preferences to be a passenger-only in a carpool.
What are some tips for ridesharing etiquette?
If possible, meet your potential carpool partners to discuss preferences and set ground rules before beginning to carpool. We suggest you discuss things like choice of radio stations and whether smoking and eating are allowed in the car before driving together.
What happens if I carpool to work and then my carpool partner or I need to leave work unexpectedly?
If you need to leave work unexpectedly, you may be entitled to a free Uber, Lyft, taxi, or public transit ride home. Visit our Guaranteed Ride Program page to learn more!
What is a bike buddy?
Like carpooling, if you travel by bicycle, we can match you with another person who also travels by bicycle on similar route.
What is the 511 Mobility App?
The 511 Mobility App is a mobile app that shows how much money and carbon emissions you save by commuting using a more sustainable mode (carpool, vanpool, transit, walking, and biking).