FAQs for Group Drivers

Technical requirements for the FlexVanpool app are here: App Requirements.

Best practices for drivers can be found here: Best Practices For Drivers.

FAQs for Group Riders are here: Group Rider FAQs.

What is FlexVanpool?

I am already a vanpool driver. Why should I use FlexVanpool?

The FlexVanpool app enhances the vanpool experience, adding a new level of flexibility and convenience needed for today’s flexible and hybrid commutes. Features such as in-app group messaging and real-time tracking of the van’s location are designed to help you in coordination and communication of your daily commute trips with the group. Functionality for seat reservation and ride cancellation takes the guess work out of who’s coming and who’s not. On days your schedule differs from your group schedule, you could book a ride with another group going the same way! In the same way, if your group has opted to offer FlexRides, co-workers who need an occasional ride can use the app to book a ride with your group. Finally, the app collects valuable ridership data used for automated bookkeeper ridership reports. The data also provides insights to program managers to further improve the program.

Vanpools are a fast and direct commute to the work location and the app enhances this experience to make it more efficient, adaptable, and user-friendly.

Where is FlexVanpool currently available?

I’m an existing vanpool group driver. Can my group start taking advantage of the app?

FlexVanpool is currently available through select vanpool agencies in Washington State. Check with your vanpool agency to see if they are part of the FlexVanpool program and if your group can join in.

How do I get started?

First, you must be an approved driver in a participating vanpool. Download the FlexVanpool app at your Apple or Google Play store. If you already have an account at RideshareOnline.com or any of its partner programs, use the same email address in the app. If you do not have an account there, create one using your employer email address and then use the same account to login to the app. Keep in mind – FlexVanpool is currently available only to select vanpool agencies in Washington State. If you’re not sure, check with your vanpool agency if your group can participate. Email support@rideshareonline.com with “FlexVanpool Driver Email Question” as your subject if you need help!

Am I required to use the app if I am a monthly driver in the group?

As a driver in the group, am I required to perform specific actions in the app?

How do I use the app when I am the driver?

Yes, if your group is using the FlexVanpool app and when you drive. The benefits of the app to you, your group and the entire program are realized when you and everyone in the group use the app. Be sure to check out the Group Riders FAQ for required rider actions in the app. When you drive, here is what you need to do in the app.

First, make sure you are in the Driver Mode in the app. If you look at the menus in the app and you see the menu “Switch to Rider Mode”, it means you are already in the Driver Mode. If not, use the switch to change the mode.

Before Your Trip Starts

  • Go to Upcoming Trips in the app, and review rides booked for the trip. Check if you have any flex riders not in your group that are joining. If yes, make a note of their pickup location.
  • Before you start driving, tap the Start Trip button in the app. Keep the phone in the same screen for the duration of your trip.

During The Trip

  • Pick up the monthly riders as usual and be sure to pick up other riders who have booked in your van. No action is required in the app.
  • Drop off monthly riders as usual and other riders per their drop-off stop. No action is required in the app.

Finishing The Trip

  • When you arrive at your destination and turn off the engine, finish the trip in the app by tapping the Finish Trip button.
  • Update the pick-up and drop-off locations for riders, if required. If a rider did not show up, be sure to use Mark As No Show.

Does using FlexVanpool add to my commute time?

No. Regardless of whether your group has opted to offer FlexRides or not, your commute time won’t change. If flex riders join your vanpool on select days, they will join along your route. Flex riders are instructed to be at the pickup location before the van arrives. So you won’t drive more or wait more and there is no extra commute time.

I want to ride on a different vanpool. What should I do?

First make sure your regular vanpool will have a driver on the day you need a ride and that they are set-up to use FlexVanpool as a driver. After that, follow these steps:

  • Use the menu to switch to Rider Mode in the app.
  • Use the Book Ride menu and enter your home and work locations. Matching vanpools identified as Daily Rides Available are the ones participating in FlexVanpool. If you don’t find any matching vanpools indicating Daily Rides Available, you won’t be able to ride on a different vanpool at this time. If one of these matches, continue with the next steps.
  • Go to Upcoming Rides and cancel the ride that you won’t be making in your regular vanpool.
  • Use the Book Ride menu to search for matching vanpools again. Proceed to book your ride.
  • Visit the Rider FAQs if you have further questions about riding in a vanpool.

The rider didn’t show up. What should I do?

Riders are instructed to arrive early and catch your attention when they see their matching vanpool but things don’t always work as expected. Look around and check if the rider is waiting at a different door or a different wait area in the same location and trying to get your attention. This may be necessary in a large Park-and-Ride.

Also use the Trip Messages feature to send a message with the exact location you are waiting. Look for a response from the rider in the Trip Messages section.

If you don’t see anybody and you don’t receive a response in Trip Messages, go ahead and proceed on your trip. When you indicate Finish Trip in the app, mark the rider as “No Show”.

The app is asking me to share my GPS location. Why is this needed and how is the GPS information used?

GPS location is required and shared with riders in your vanpool so they can view the current location of the van. This can help riders determine when to arrive at the boarding location and avoid a prolonged wait time. If presented a choice on your phone, make sure you select the “Precise” option instead of the “Approximate” option. Also make sure you select the “While using the app” option.

Here are additional details about the tracking in the app to help you stay informed and address potential concerns.

  • FlexVanpool only tracks location during the trip. Tracking begins when you start a trip in the app using “Start Trip”. Tracking ends when you complete a trip using “Finish Trip” or a maximum of 45 minutes after Start Trip was initiated. Location is not tracked at other times.
  • FlexVanpool only tracks location while it is the “current” app in the foreground. When you drive, make sure to keep the app in the foreground. If during the trip, you switch to another app, it is required to switch back to the FlexVanpool app as soon as possible to resume location tracking.
  • While it is the “current” app with an ongoing trip, FlexVanpool prevents your phone from going to sleep. This is normal and required for tracking. This may consume some battery so we do recommend you have enough charge or keep the phone connected to a charging port.

I’m an approved driver – but I can’t switch to the driver mode in the app.

Go to the Settings menu in the app and Logout. Then login again using the same credentials (these are also the same credentials as your RideshareOnline.com account). This will refresh your profile to the latest in the app and should fix the issue in most cases. If you still are not able to switch to the driver mode, you will need to contact your vanpool agency.

Chances are that the email address associated with your driver account in the vanpool agency’s system is different than the email address you use to sign into the FlexVanpool app. Your vanpool agency can help fix that.
You can also change your email address in RideshareOnline.com if you know it is different than the address your vanpool agency has (both must use the same email). A work email is preferred.

Once updated, sign into FlexVanpool with the updated email address and access the Driver Mode.

I’m part of an existing vanpool group. What if we don’t want to participate?

What if my vanpool group does not want to pick-up flex riders?

Participation in FlexVanpool is determined in accordance with your vanpool agency program guidelines. Talk to your vanpool agency and explain your situation or any extenuating factors, if you want to continue vanpooling, but are unable to participate in the FlexVanpool program.

If you want to participate, but do not want to offer rides to occasional riders outside your group, tell your vanpool agency to turn off FlexRides offered for your group. You will be able to take advantage of all the features in the app for communication, coordination and automated bookkeeping even if FlexRides is turned off.

I do bookkeeping for the group. How can I request the automated monthly ridership report?

If you are not the designated bookkeeper or the primary driver in the system, you won’t receive the report. Go to the app and check the My Vanpool menu to see if your account is set up with the correct role. The monthly ridership report for the previous month is emailed to the designated bookkeeper and the designated primary driver in the group on the first Tuesday in the current month. Be sure to check your spam folder as some emails may land up there. If its after the first Tuesday in the month, and you have not yet received it in email, check with your primary driver or check with your vanpool agency contact.

What are some best practices as a driver?

  • Safety always comes first! Drive safely. Make sure you use a phone mount and use the phone only when you’ve safely stopped and are not driving.
  • FlexVanpool actions are only required while you are parked. Do not use the app or other apps when you are driving and the vehicle is in motion. If you are the driver, you only need to operate the app when the van is stopped at the initial pickup point, at another stop or at the destination.
  • Make sure you start with enough battery charge for your phone or better yet connect to a charger when offering rides.

HELP & SUPPORT
Group Riders · Group Drivers · Flex Riders · Need help?