‘Pool Rewards is a commuter incentive program available through Commuter Connections designed to encourage commuters driving alone to and from work to start ridesharing in the Washington Metropolitan region.

‘Pool Rewards for Carpools

Commuters who currently drive alone to work may be eligible for a cash payment through ‘Pool Rewards when they start or join a new carpool! If eligible, each carpool member can earn $2 per day ($1 each way) for each day they carpool to work over a consecutive 90-day period. Typically, the maximum incentive for the 90-day reporting period is $130. Carpools may consist of two or more people.

Participation is open to solo drivers who begin carpooling during peak rush hour periods in the Metropolitan Washington Statistical Area*. Commuters who currently drive alone to work may be eligible for financial rewards when they agree to start or join a new carpool!

‘Pool Rewards is a program of Commuter Connections designed to encourage current drive-alone commuters to try carpooling in the Washington region. If eligible you can earn $2 per day ($1 each way) for each day you carpool to work over a consecutive 90-day period as assigned by Commuter Connections. The maximum incentive for the 90-day trial period is $130 in exchange for going online and logging information about your new commute and for completing surveys about the experience.

Due to the ongoing 495 NEXT express lane construction project in Virginia, Commuter Connections is currently offering an additional $100 to be earned by commuters traveling the I-495 corridor between Old Dominion Drive and the American Legion Bridge. The additional incentive will be calculated based on the number of trips logged and applied automatically.

Each new carpool must commute to work an average of two or more weekdays for the duration of the 90-day program. Applicants must not have used an alternative commute mode (i.e., carpool, vanpool, transit, bicycle, walk) more than three days in the 30 days prior to applying for ‘Pool Rewards. Other rules and limitations apply. Participants must fully read all guidelines before being considered and for participation.

How to sign up for ‘Pool Rewards

Review these three easy steps below to join ‘Pool Rewards.

1. Go to the welcome page and click the SIGN UP button. If you already have an account with Commuter Connections, click the “LOG IN” button.
2. After creating your account select ‘Join Pool Rewards.
3. Next, you are ready to register your ‘Pool Rewards carpool!

To start the ‘Pool Rewards carpool registration process, each new carpool first needs to have a “Primary Participant”. In order to be the Primary Participant, all you need to have is the name and email address for at least one potential carpool partner ready when registering. After identifying the other potential carpool member(s), the Primary Participant will be issued a six-digit carpool id number.

The Commuter Connections ‘Pool Rewards system will send an automated e-mail message to the other potential carpool member(s). This email will identify the Primary Participant that is looking to start the new carpool and will contain the carpool id # and a link inviting the person(s) to join the new carpool. Individuals agreeing to join the new carpool will need to have the carpool id # handy while joining up for ‘Pool Rewards online.

‘Pool Rewards for Vanpools

If you drive alone to work and get at least seven people together (including yourself) who wish to form a new vanpool, you may qualify for a $200 monthly ‘Pool Rewards incentive for your new vanpool. Vans are available to accommodate between 7 and 15 total occupants (including the driver).

‘Pool Rewards is a special incentive program available through Commuter Connections designed to encourage current drive-alone commuters to start or join a vanpool.

Vanpooling is a popular and economical option for commuters traveling within the Washington Metropolitan region, particularly for long-distance commuting.

It pays to rideshare!

If you drive alone to work and get a minimum total of seven people together (including yourself) who wish to start or join a new vanpool, you may qualify for a $200 monthly ‘Pool Rewards subsidy for your vanpool. Vans are available to accommodate between 7 and 15 total occupants (including the driver).

Eligible for newly-forming vanpools with at least seven commuters.

Previously existing vanpools are eligible too but only if they have not been in operation within 30 days prior to submitting a ‘Pool Rewards for vanpools application.

Participants must not have commuted via carpool, vanpool, transit, bicycle, walk more than four days in the 30 days prior to submitting a ‘Pool Rewards for vanpools application.

See Coverage Map for approved vanpool destination areas. Vanpool origins can be anywhere within the District of Columbia and the states of Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Virginia origins are not eligible, just destinations…

Additional rules and restrictions apply, see full ‘Pool Rewards Participation Guidelines.

To start the ‘Pool Rewards vanpool registration process:

A. Get a group of commuters together to start or join a new vanpool. Commuter Connections or the participating vanpool companies below can assist with searching for vanpool partners.

B. Contact the vanpool provider – contact the authorized ‘Pool Rewards participating vanpool company below and their professional staff will make all the arrangements!

Enterprise Rideshare

Dayna Paszkiet
Commuting Consultant (301) 610-0800
[email protected]

More Funding may be available for Vanpoolers

Many companies provide vanpooling employees with a subsidy of up to $280 each month or the ability to enjoy up to $280 in monthly vanpool expenses on a pre-tax basis. Ask your Human Resources department.

Other programs that offer financial assistance to vanpools:

• Frederick County Vanpool Incentive Program
• Montgomery County Fare$hare
• Prince George’s County Vanpool Subsidy

* Washington MSA as defined by the US Office of Management and Budget.