To access the ridematching feature, go to the "Pools" section in your main menu. There, you'll find two main tabs: "My Posts" and "Search."

Select "Search" to explore available ride options created by others. This is where the ridematching functionality comes into play – our smart algorithm helps you find carpool, vanpool, bikepool, or transitpool trips that align with your route and schedule.
 

Customizing Your Search 

You can fine-tune your ridematching preferences by:

• Choosing whether you want to be matched with all users or only within specific networks (such as your company or location).
• Using filters to include or exclude vanpools.
• Adding your specific time schedule requirements.

Connecting with Your Match 

Once you've found a potential match, click on your preferred pool and then click the "Message" button to contact the user directly through the platform. They will receive an email notification, and you can begin communicating to arrange your trip.

How Our Smart Matching Works 

Our platform uses an intelligent algorithm that considers multiple factors to find the best possible matches for your commute. Here's how it works behind the scenes:

1. Location Matching

Our system uses two different methods to give you the best possible matches:

"On Route" Matching 

• Instead of requiring exact pickup and drop-off points, this method finds rides that are naturally "on your way."
• The algorithm creates a corridor along your route and looks for trips that pass through this area.
• The search area automatically adjusts based on your trip distance:

           - Short trips (10km/6.2mi): 2.5km/1.55mi wide search corridor

           - Long trips (100km/62mi): 25km/15.5mi wide search corridor

           - Minimum search radius: 1km/0.62mi for very short distances

☝️ This means you're more likely to find matches even if they don't start and end at your exact locations.
 

"Exact Match" Matching 

• Uses circular search areas around both your starting point and destination.
• Perfect for finding rides with very similar pickup and drop-off locations.
• Also searches for return trips that might work for your outbound journey.
• More restrictive, but ensures closer proximity to your exact locations.

☝️ Vanpools use the same matching logic but may have different availability based on their specific routes and schedules.

2. Time Matching

For Regular Trips:

• Matches you with rides that operate on your selected days of the week.
• Finds departure times within ±1 hour of your preferred schedule.
• Compares your time preferences with each available trip's schedule.
   

For One-Time Trips:

• When you only specify a date: Shows all rides on that day.
• When you specify both date and time: Shows rides departing within ±1 hour of your preferred time.

☝️ Vanpools may show broader time ranges since their schedules can be more flexible.

3. Role Preferences (Carpools Only) 

For carpools, you can specify whether you want to:

• Drive and offer rides to passengers.
• Be a passenger in someone else's car.
• Be flexible with either role.

☝️ The system will only show you matches that align with your preferred role.

4. Time-based Sorting  

After all filtering is completed, results are sorted to show those with the least time difference first in the list.