Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here or elsewhere on the site, reach out to the RideFinders team at (314) 621-7433 or ridefinders@mct.org. Or click below for more options.

What is RideFinders?

Created in 1994, RideFinders is the St. Louis regional commuter rideshare program operated by Madison County Transit to improve air quality in the nine-county region by reducing traffic congestion through carpooling and vanpooling. Funding for RideFinders is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.

What is a Carpool?

Carpooling is simply sharing a ride in your personal vehicle with at least one other person. The extra person(s) can be a family member, friend, co-worker, or anyone who is willing to share the ride and help reduce traffic congestion on the road.

What is a Vanpool?

A vanpool is a group of 5 or more commuters who share the ride to and from work in vans provided by RideFinders for a low monthly fare. Each commuter serves in one of these three roles:

  • Primary Driver: May receive a FREE commute in exchange for driving, fueling, and administering the vanpool.
  • Back-up Driver: Rider who drives the vanpool when the primary driver is unable to drive.
  • Riders: Pay a low monthly fare covering the total monthly vanpool operating cost.
As an employer, is there any cost or liability to participate in RideFinders? There is NO cost or liability to participate, as RideFinders is a free public service for the region through the federal funding it receives from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. Organizational (Employer) partners are protected from liability by Illinois and Missouri state statutes.

What are the qualifications to be a RideFinders' Volunteer Vanpool Driver?

  • Be 25 years of age
  • Been licensed for a minimum of 3 years and have a current MO or IL driver’s license (exception: Military)
  • Never had a DUI or Driving While Impaired conviction
  • Never had a hit and run conviction
  • Has had no more than 2 moving violations within the past 3 years
  • Has had no more than 1 at-fault accident within the past 3 years
  • Driving on a suspended license is given consideration if it was more than 5 years ago (driver is required to document incident details for staff determination)
  • Driver’s License revoked will be considered if the violation was more than 5 years ago (driver is required to document incident details for staff determination)
  • Never convicted of eluding the police
  • Has current insurance and has maintained insurance for the previous 3 years
  • Never been convicted of vehicular homicide
  • Never violated a school bus stop sign
  • No motor vehicle felony offenses

What types of organizations can participate in RideFinders?

RideFinders works with employers, colleges, trade schools, municipalities, government and military facilities, and virtually any other type of organization wanting to help their commuting employees connect with reliable transportation to and from work.

Can I use a Guaranteed Ride Home to get to work or school?

No. The GRH must originate from work or college.

Why must my employer participate in RideFinders for me to be eligible for a Guaranteed Ride Home?

Employer partners who provide a point of contact or ETC assist with developing opportunities to increase connections for carpools and vanpools, as well as providing GRH vouchers on site.

Your Ride is Here!

Life happens. And sometimes you need to leave early or work late. Ridefinders’ Guaranteed Ride Home program will reimburse you for up to four taxi rides per year. So, what are you waiting for? Our ride-matching services are easy, fast, online, and free. Register now for RideFinders’ Carpool or Vanpool program. And you’ll soon be on your way.