Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) has officially replaced its former carpool matching tool — Drive Less Connect — with a new web-based carpooling tool known as “Get There.”
It is an effort by the state to reduce lone drivers and the greenhouse gas emissions they bring. The web-based system allows drivers to enter starting points and destinations, then look up options for both passengers and drivers looking to share rides. Transit, bike and walking directions are offered, along with vanpools for popular commutes.
“Our goal is to help people have more choices for the way they travel,” ODOT Highway Division Administrator Kris Strickler said. “With more options, we usually see fewer vehicles on the road – and that means less congestion and frustration for everyone.”
In addition to providing users options, Get There will also highlight organizations with like-minded goals by helping users track their trips and see how much fuel and money they are saving. Some of these organizations, in turn, offer participants prizes for reducing drive-alone trips. Building on this, Get There will also offer prizes for those logging trips in groups, through the annual Get There Challenge.