CALIFORNIA: Contra Costa I-80 Real Time Ridesharing
Contra Costa Interstate 80 tolled-corridor real-time ridesharing builds on a similar locally funded project engaging employers and commuters who directly use Interstate 80 (I-80) in West Contra Costa County, the most congested corridor in the Bay Area. The project will extend coverage to facilitate and incentivize carpoolers to take advantage of the I-80 discounted carpool tolls. By facilitating and incentivizing real-time ridesharing, the project offers carpooling commuters a discounted trip and HOV lane access, thereby reducing congestion, improving job accessibility, transportation affordability, and the regional economy.
Implementation Funds Awarded
2012
Project Status
Study Complete
October – December 2016 Update
As the first phase of a potential regional carpooling program with involvement from other Bay Area counties, the I-80 Real-time Rideshare marketing campaign was soft-launched in early November with the release of the website, www.carpoolinstead.com. A press release was also distributed to announce the award of the federal grant, with accompanying digital billboards along the I-80 corridor and initial Facebook and Waze advertising. A comprehensive community engagement strategy was created to tie these parallel efforts together, and program summary materials were also produced to facilitate partnerships among other transportation agencies/counties. This strategy included Facebook advertising/testing to determine messages that most resonated with key audiences; social media content, including a hashtag campaign contest with giveaways; and advertising on Pandora Radio and KQED Radio (underwriting). Key metrics have been defined as part of the marketing plan to mirror the grant requirements which include driving total number of signups, total number of schedules input by riders and drivers, total number of trips taken by riders and drivers, and carpools that utilize the free bridge tolls or other incentives. These metrics are being tracked for an end-of-project report. Initial preparation and data gathering/review occurred for the end-of-project report.
The project has been wrapped up and a final report is currently being prepared.
For More Information Contact
Peter Engel
2999 Oak Rd., Suite 100
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Phone: (925) 256-4741
Fax: (925) 256-4701
E-Mail: pengel@ccta.net
