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  1. What is RideCell?

 

RideCell is a state of the art cell-based alternative transit matching service.  RideCell reduces the cost of commuting, emissions, and congestion while finding you a ride from where you are to where you want to go in real time.  In addition to traditional transit options like MARTA and GT shuttles, RideCell can match you with other drivers going to the same destination. 

 

  1. How does it work?

 

RideCell intelligently combines real time data from geographical information systems, location aware technologies, and transit alternatives to determine the best transportation option - all thorough the cellular network.

 

  1. How do I find or offer a ride?

 

1) Create a trip by defining an origin, destination, and desired travel time. 2) Select Ride Or Drive 3) Submit the trip request. 4) RideCell will notify you as soon as a match is found.

 

  1. Who will I be ridesharing with?

 

The GT pilot is available to eligible faculty, staff, and students.  Rideshare matches are made between these individuals based on availability and your personal preferences.

 

  1. How does cost sharing work?

 

RideCell provides an automated method of sharing the cost of a commute between driver and rider.  RideCell calculates the cost of a trip and splits this cost between driver and rider.  At the time a match is found, RideCell presents the cost of a ride to the rider and driver.  If accepted, the participants take the trip and the rider's account is automatically debited and the driver is credited accordingly.

 

  1. How is the trip cost calculated?

 

At the time a trip is identified, RideCell calculates the distance of a turn by turn route from origin to destination.  By using the route distance, the average metro fuel cost and an average fuel economy (nominally 18 miles/gallon),  RideCell calculates the fuel cost of the trip.  This cost is split 50/50 between driver and rider.

For example:  Let's say a driver picks up a passenger at the park and ride along I-85 in Suwanee.  RideCell calculates the route mileage as 36 miles to the GT campus.  Assuming a nominal gas mileage at 18mpg and gas at $1.50/gallon, the cost of this trip would be:

 

36 miles / 18 mpg X $1.50 = $3.00 (total gas cost)

 

A 50/50 split would result in the rider being charged $3.00 / 2 = $1.50 which would be credited to the driver.

 

 

  1. How much will I be charged as a passenger?

 

See How is the trip cost calculated? (Question 6)

 

  1. How much will I receive for giving someone a ride?

 

See How is the trip cost calculated (Question 6)?

 

  1. How much are you going to charge my credit card? What if I have a credit due for giving rides??

 

Every month, RideCell adds up each subscriber's ridesharing charges and credits. a) If there is a balance due, RideCell will charge the subscriber’s credit card for that amount. b) If there is a credit, RideCell will credit that amount to the driver’s Buzzcard each time the balance reaches $10.00 or more.

 

  1. How can I check my balance?

 

You can access your balance and ridesharing history at any time by logging in to your RideCell account.

 

  1. Who gets the rideshare money?

 

The portion of the ride cost paid by the rider goes to the driver. For the GT pilot, there are no other charges or fees paid to RideCell or any other party.

 

  1. What should I do if I am not comfortable with the driver or rider?

 

If at anytime you are not comfortable with the person you are going to ride with, you should decline the rideshare. While RideCell has many features that screen the matches, you are ultimately responsible for your personal comfort and safety.

 

  1. How are carbon savings calculated?

 

Carbon savings are based on the difference in fuel burned between a rideshare trip and the equivalent trip made in single occupancy vehicles.

 

  1. What about insurance if there is an accident?

 

The driver is required by Georgia law to carry automobile insurance. As with any auto accident, liability is determined by the nature of the incident. You should contact your insurance agent directly if you have any questions about your coverage.

 

  1. What if I want to quit the trial early?

 

You may quit the trial at any time by notifying RideCell at gtpilot@ridecell.com .  Please note that any incentives that are contingent on participation in the trial will be prorated based on the acceptance terms of the offer.

 

  1. What if I can't find a ride home or have an emergency that requires me to leave?

 

Commuters that use alternative transportation are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program offered by the Atlanta Regional Commission.  It provides free transportation to your car or home in the event of an unplanned event.  You must apply to the GRH program in advance of needing the service.  RideCell highly recommends that anyone who carpools, vanpools, or uses alternative transit apply for this free service.  Apply at: GRH 2009 Application  Please note:  applications typically take 2-3 weeks to process.

 

  1. What is the Guaranteed Ride Home program?

 

Commuters that use alternative transportation are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program offered by the Atlanta Regional Commission.  It provides free transportation to your car or home in the event of an unplanned event.  You must apply to the GRH program in advance of needing the service. Apply at:  GRH 2009 Application  Please note:  applications typically take 2-3 weeks to process.

 

GRH is managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission, not RideCell.  RideCell highly recommends that anyone who carpools, vanpools, or uses alternative transit apply for this free service.  Apply at: GRH 2009 Application

  1. How much will the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Program cost me?

The GRH program is free to individuals and is provided as a service with funds from the Federal Highway Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Regional Commission.

 

  1. How do I participate in the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Program?

To use the GRH Program, you must:

 

    1. Register with RideSmart Guaranteed Ride Home before you need a ride home (Note:  Applications typically take 2-3 weeks to process)
    2. Receive an enrollment letter from RideSmart approving program participation
    3. Ride to work by carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, biking or walking
    4. Live/work in the Atlanta region
    5. Have an unscheduled event which causes you to need the service.

 

  1. What is rideshare etiquette?

 

The driver sets the rules. The driver sets tone for whether this will be a silent trip, or conversational trip. He/she also has control over the radio and music, etc.  Even though it may sound impolite not to initiate conversation, there are some good reasons for this. The driver (and sometimes the rider) may not be interested in getting to know the other person.  For many riders, it's a chance to think, sleep, or read the paper. For the driver, it may be the only chance to listen to the news or relax to his or her own music. The last thing both riders and drivers want is to feel obligated to carry on a 30-minute conversation.  Now, with that being said, sometimes conversations do take place, and friendships and networking result, but you'll just have to use your own judgment as to when it's appropriate.

 

  1. How do you estimate savings?

 

We add the gas savings (because of the shared gas costs) with the savings in maintenance based on AAA's published maintenance costs per mile (pdf) for a medium sized sedan.

 

  1. What should I do if I find a bug in the system or have a feature suggestion?

 

Please email gtpilot@ridecell.com with any technical problems, suggestions, or feature enhancements.

 
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