PATH assists its members by helping them connect with carpools. NH Rideshare matches interested commuters with potential carpool partners. PATH and Rideshare also work with employers to establish organization-specific carpool programs. Finally, PATH can assist event organizers in reducing overall carbon footprints by helping event-goers find alternate transportation methods.

PATH offers carpoolers an Emergency Ride Home benefit, as well as the option to sign up for the Rideshare Incentive Program to win prizes donated by local sponsors. To be eligible for these benefits, become a PATH member by filling out our Registration Form.

PATH can also help you find somebody to carpool with, or add people to your carpool. For this, we invite you to sign up for the NH Rideshare program.

What is the NH Rideshare carpool program?

The NH Rideshare program is a free commuter matching service available to anyone who lives or  works in New Hampshire. Interested commuters who register with the NH RideShare program are sent a personalized match list of commuters who go the same direction at approximately the same time. There is no obligation to form or join a carpool. To register, fill out the NH Rideshare registration form. Please note that NH RideShare does not sell, share, or trade the information you provide. Once you become an active member of the NH Rideshare Program you can get the benefits of the Emergency Ride Home offered by PATH.

Why carpool?

You can save hundreds of dollars a year in commuting expenses. You'll also have the opportunity to relax on days you don't drive. Hopefully, you will arrive at work better prepared to face the day.

Fewer cars on the road mean cleaner air, less congestion and less noise. By lowering the number of vehicles on the roads we conserve energy. and  regain productive time now spent driving.

Carpools are flexible

You can carpool every day or just a couple days a week. One person might drive all the time, with the passengers contributing gas and parking money. Or, you can alternate who drives by the day or week and not exchange money. Carpools can pick up their riders at their homes or everyone can meet at a convenient location, including any of the region's Park & Ride lots.

How does the program work?

When you register with the NH RideShare program, we ask for your starting location, your destination, and your work hours. Your information is added to the database of interested commuters. 

You will receive a "match list" by letter or email with names and phone numbers of potential rideshare matches. It is up to you to contact people and set up or join a carpool or vanpool. If we don't find a match, we suggest checking back with us in a month or so. New commuters sign up all the time.

What if there's an emergency and I need to leave early?

PATH's Emergency Ride Home program makes sure you get to the places you need to in an emergency. If you are an active member of PATH and you have an emergency and need to get home, call one of the suggested taxi services or Enterprise-Rent-a-Car. Pay for your ride home and ask for a receipt. Send the original paid receipt with your name to us within 7 days of the emergency. We will reimburse up to $34.99, up to three times per calendar year, but no more than twice a month. To find out more visit the Emergency Ride Home page.   

What if I have errands I need to run?

Discuss schedule changes with the others in your group. You may be able to set your pick-up point close to a shopping center or bank to accommodate errands. Or, you may choose not to carpool on certain days. Even carpooling just twice a week can make a positive impact. Just be sure that everyone in your carpool knows the schedule.

What if I can't find someone to carpool with?

Contact PATH and we will try to help you find a carpool match by searching the PATH member database, nearby participating employers, or following up with NH Rideshare.

What if I don't like my carpool situation?

Carpools are voluntary. If you're joining an existing pool, ask what policies they have in place, and join on a trial basis (say for a week) before making a commitment. If you're starting a new carpool, set rules on food, music, temperature, etc., before you begin.

Carpooling Tax Benefits

Pre-tax benefits do not currently cover carpooling programs; however, New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes introduced federal legislation last year that would change that. The legislation made it through the House, but did not make it out of committee in the Senate.

Congressman Hodes plans to reintroduce the legislation in the new Congressional session. Last session’s legislation would have provided tax credits for businesses for 50 percent of any amount they pay to their employees as part of reimbursement program. State and local governments could also participate and would receive additional annual funding for programs that encourage carpooling to the office.

Currently, however, employees can exclude from income up to $230 per month for commuter parking.