Carpooling at a Crossroads: Will Carpools Disappear or Make a Comeback?
ACT's International Conference has not held a carpooling summit in many years, but we're excited to share that it is returning in 2026!
While carpooling is the third highest mode used to travel to work (behind SOV and telework), it gets little public attention even though TDM organizations support and promote it. Carpooling gets no representation in the IRS publication 15-B (Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits). The term ‘ridesharing’ is widely used by transportation network companies. There isn’t even an agreed upon definition of carpooling. But there is optimism because the rate of carpooling has held steady in recent years.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has receded. With gas prices rising, more commuters will seek commute cost saving strategies like carpooling. We also know that carpooling rates are higher for certain commuter market segments. New technologies are making it easier to carpool. How can we capitalize on these advantages? We will meet to strategize. The Carpool Action Summit has been scheduled for the first day of the 40th Annual International Conference (July 26). |
Figure 1. Satisfied Carpooling Couple from area served by Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission |
The ACT Carpool Council and the Public Policy Committee are planning a packed agenda with expert speakers, the latest information, and takeaways for attendees and their programs. By the end, we will have an Action Agenda for an ambitious but realistic goal and immediate actions that will energize a carpooling comeback.