Carpool & Rideshare Resources
There are many carpool and rideshare options available in Southwest Michigan to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. From getting to work, school, the store, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you find the service that best suits your needs. You can also find Park & Ride lots, Welcome Centers, and rest areas throughout the State of Michigan, making your journey as convenient and sustainable as possible.
Go! Rideshare
A secure and free online commuter matching service for anyone who lives in Berrien, Cass, & Van Buren Counties.
MichiVan
MichiVan is operated by Enterprise Rideshare, supplies fully insured passenger vans to commuter groups.
Uber
Tap each ride option to see wait time, size, and price. Then enter your location and tap request. your driver will arrive in minutes.
Lyft
The Lyft app matches you to nearby drivers so you can get a ride in minutes. Riding with Lyft costs less than a taxi!
SchoolPool
Connects parents with other families in order to share commuting needs. Ease stress and school congestion!
Public Carpool Lots
Whether you carpool, vanpool, ride the bus or bike to work, there are numerous Park and Ride Lots that can make your commute easier and help save you money.
What are the Park & Ride lots?
Park & Ride lots are centralized meeting places for use by commuters to park vehicles while participating in carpools or vanpools or using transit services.
How much does it cost to park in these lots?
Nothing! There are no parking fees at the Park & Ride lots.
Can I park my car overnight in these lots?
Yes. You can leave your car for up to 72 hours.
Where are the Park & Ride lots located?
Check out this map provided by MDOT for all Park & Ride lots in the state of Michigan.
Commercial trucks, busses, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, fifth wheel campers, or recreational vehicles are not allowed.
How much is your commute costing you?
*Insert car commuting cost calculator
MDOT Carpool Lots
Walk & Bike Groups
A walking or bicycling “bus” is a group of students who travel together along a designated route to school, pausing at pre-arranged “stops” to allow other students to join the group. Parent volunteers may accompany the group if appropriate. Traveling together is a great way for students to walk or bike safely while being more physically active and enjoying the fun of a group.
We can help you find others to join in a group with your student. We also can help you select a good route to school and create a map for participants.
Check Out Cycle-Re-Cycle
Cycle-Re-Cycle diverts used and discarded bicycles from landfills and refurbishes them. A volunteer run organization which draws people from every walk of life to promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally responsible form of transportation. The volunteers include those from both low and upper incomes with a common interest, the love of bicycling.
Getting There By Bike
A bicycle can be a low-cost, healthy and flexible way to get around. Every year more and more people in Southwest Michigan travel to work by bicycle. Others use a bicycle for errands, to ride with their kids, or to get exercise. Cold or wet weather can make bicycling challenging, there may be ways to expand your bicycling. For example, in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph you can ride your bicycle to a bus stop, then load it on the bus for longest part of the trip. See the link for details on how to load a bike on the bus. Or, if you want a bicycle that’s easier to start, get up hills and ride further, consider adding an electric motor to your bicycle, or buying a ready-made electric bicycle.
Use Local Streets. Want to travel by bike, but don’t want to deal with the traffic? There are often parallel streets that go through residential and lightly traveled commercial districts; using these will make bicycling both more enjoyable and safer.
Map It Out. Let’s say you want to bike to work, or maybe you want to drive less and spend more time outdoors. Biking directions can help you find a convenient and efficient route that makes use of dedicated bike trails or lanes and avoids hills whenever possible. To find biking directions go to Google Maps and select the bicycling icon when you do a directions search. Remember, a map may have a different idea of “bike-friendly” than you are comfortable with. If you don’t already know the route, it is strongly suggested that you do a test run before you use it for a commute.
Other Riders Can Help! Ask other bicyclists how they get from point A to point B; bicyclists love to share their knowledge of good rides and routes.
Set pick-up and drop-off times.
Decide how long the pool will wait for latecomers.
Make sure all drivers are insured.
Decide whether food or drink will be allowed in the vehicle.
Decide if smoking will be allowed.
Will the radio be on? If so, what music does everyone like?
Buckle up! Seatbelts are the law and really do save lives.
Establish an emergency call chain. In the event of an emergency, you should have an assigned order for contacting each other.
Give notice of vacation plans or schedule changes.
Give everyone a chance to have his or her say.
Decide on driver reimbursement if you are not sharing driving equally.
Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
Avoid close contact with people who may be sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and warm water are not available.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).
Get to work & school on time!
Have fun!
Guides should wear a safety vest.
Students should wear high visibility clothing.
Always wear proper footwear.
Consider bringing a water bottle.
Carry rain gear and clothing for inclement weather.
Consider carrying safety lights.
Plan a pedestrian or bike-friendly route to school.
Pause at pre-planned stops to add participating students to your group as you travel.
Always follow pedestrian or bicycling rules and safety guidelines.
Cross streets using marked pedestrian areas or bicycle lanes whenever possible.
Maintain a schedule that allows a margin of time.
Plan in advance how changes to the usual routine will be handled.
Organize a “phone tree” list so last-minute changes can be communicated quickly to your group.
Establish group ground rules such as: children should be ready and waiting.
Decide who will be at the end of the group, making sure the group stays together.
Have fun!
Contact Rideshare at 269-925-1137 ext. 1518 or gallagherk@swmpc.org if you would like help choosing a route and preparing maps.
Ask around: people you know may have or know of an unused bicycle that might fit your needs!
You may want to try Southwest Michigan Craigslist, or visit various resale shops for a used bicycle.
There are often bicycles at the Police Auctions or call your local county sheriff’s department.
Cycle-Re-Cycle is a unique program in Southwest Michigan located in Benton Harbor, that seeks to empower people through mechanical skills and access to quality bikes regardless of identity or socioeconomic status. Used bicycles are donated by the community and refurbished by volunteers. Volunteers and program participants can earn a bicycle with volunteer time. Youth and adults alike can volunteer at Cycle-Re-Cycle to learn the ins and outs of bicycle repair, and earn credit hours. Credit hours can be exchanged for bicycles, bicycle parts, or time in the stand (repair your own bike).
Local bicycle shops offer a wide range of bicycles and can help you find one that’s right for you.
Be Healthy Berrien has local information on trail and walking facilities on their Be Active page!
Biking to work can take a bit of practice. Get some tips for your first commute from Active.com.