With dynamic tolls in effect inside the beltway along I-66, rideshare is a great way to travel fast, save money, and avoid the tolls. There are many rideshare options for commuters to choose. Neighbors can band together to form a carpool, or individuals can join a vanpool, while the more adventurous can try their hand at slugging. On-demand services such as uberPool and Lyft Line are also available for passengers who need options on-the-go.
Even though all these options qualify as ridesharing, there are some differences between each mode. Explore each option below and find out which works best for you.
Carpool
A carpool is typically formed by a group (2+) of commuters, colleagues, or friends traveling to a similar destination, using a privately-owned vehicle.
Slugging
Commuters are picked up at Park & Ride areas by a solo driver and dropped off at a designated slug location close to the driver’s destination. Slugging allows both driver and passenger to use the I-66 Express Lanes, toll-free.
Vanpool
A large group of commuters (minimum of four) that rents or leases a van and travels to a similar destination. Vanpools are only used for commuting. Employees can also use commuter benefits to finance their vanpool as well.
On-Demand (uberPool/Lyft Line)
Uber and Lyft have dramatically transformed the way people think about travel. However, their rideshare services are limited to their pooling options (uberPool and Lyft Line). Drivers and passengers are paired through an app, based on destination, before a trip begins. Using the regular service (UberX and regular Lyft) does not qualify as ridesharing.
If you choose to carpool, slug, or vanpool, the driver will need to own an E-ZPass Flex to avoid toll fees.
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