Ride-Matching Service
Parking and Transportation Services is proud to announce a new ride-sharing service using AlterNetRides. This program connects UK, BCTC, and VA employees, students, and visitors who want to share rides to save gas and money and decrease their impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sign up?
- How much does this cost?
- Who can use this service?
- What information is required to sign up for AlterNetRides?
- What will other riders see when they search for matches?
- How is my information protected?
- How does AlterNetRides work?
- How do I know if it is safe?
- What if I can't find a match?
- What if my match moves or stops ride-sharing?
- What if I'm already in an existing carpool? Is there any benefit to signing up for AlterNetRides?
- Do you have any suggestion on how to divide fuel costs?
- What happens if I do not use the service for an extended period of time?
- How do I remove my account from AlterNetRides?
- I still have questions. Who should I contact for more information?
How do I sign up?
Signing up is easy, but you might want to read through the F.A.Q.s below first. Once you feel ready to take the plunge, you need to:
1. Open the UK AlterNetRides applet.
2. Select your destination from the list.
3. Create your account by clicking the Become a Member & Post a Ride button.
Important: AlterNetRides requires you to allow popups from their site.
How much does this cost?
The ride-matching service is provided by UK Parking and Transportation Services free of charge. The only costs would be those that the members of the carpool agree to share (fuel, maintenance, etc.). Carpools with 3 or more riders are also eligible to purchase a carpool permit.
Who can use this service?
The primary users are UK, BCTC, and VA employees and students, but the service is really available for anyone. For example, community members could use the service to find rides to events such as concerts and football games, or a non-UK employee coming to campus for a meeting. The service can be used to find rides on a daily basis, a one-time ride or anything in between.
What information is required to sign up for AlterNetRides?
You will need a valid e-mail address.
What will other riders see when they search for matches?
The List Rides screen will show which group you belong to, how often you would like to ride to campus and the starting spot (intersection, subdivision) that you have designated. A comments box is available if you need to add additional information. You may choose to disclose your e-mail address, last name, phone number(s) or actual address with a potential match once you feel comfortable.
How is my information protected?
You will initially communicate with other riders through the AlterNetRides Web site. Your e-mail address, last name and phone number(s) will remain confidential unless you give them to another rider.
How does AlterNetRides work?
When you find a potential match, click the Possible Match/Email button on the Ride Information page. You are given the option to send an e-mail to that person, and both rides are flagged as having a Possible Match. When an account is flagged, a new button appears on the Member Information page that will list all Possible Match rides. After you have made arrangements with another rider, return to this page and change the status of your ride to Matched! Found a Ride! If you do not change your status, you will continue to get e-mails from others looking for a match. You may leave the status if you are interested in ride-sharing with more than one person.
Don't forget to discuss details such as how much notice is needed to change plans.
How do I know if it is safe?
Neither AlterNetRides nor UK Parking and Transportation Services can make any assurances regarding the people who use AlterNetRides. You are ultimately responsible for communications with other riders and your own safety. This is part of the Terms and Conditions that you accept when you create an account.
What if I can't find a match?
Unfortunately, no guarantee can be given that you will find a match using this service. You may check the Web site from time to time to see if any new riders have signed up. You may also try broadening your search to include places in your Zip Code or your city.
What if my match moves or stops ride-sharing?
Log in to AlterNetRides and change the status of your ride to Open to return to the ride listing. Then you can search for other riders.
What if I'm already in an existing carpool? Is there any benefit to signing up for AlterNetRides?
Yes, AlterNetRides can benefit everyone on campus. If you are already in an existing carpool, signing up for AlterNetRides may allow you to expand your carpool as you find ride matches, reducing the commute cost for everyone.
Do you have any suggestion on how to divide fuel costs?
The UK AlterNetRides Team has received feedback from riders on several different ways to split fuel costs.
- Calculate cost per commuter using this formula: (Roundtrip miles x days per week commuting) / (gallons of gas x price per gallon) / number of riders
- Agree upon a cost per ride, keep a log, and divvy the cost up at the end of each month
- Keep things simple - each member of the carpool takes a turn driving
What happens if I do not use the service for an extended period of time?
If your account has had no activity for more than six months, you will receive an e-mail from AlterNetRides asking if you are still interested in the service. You can click on the link in the e-mail to renew your ride for an additional six months.
How do I remove my account from AlterNetRides?
Log in to AlterNetRides, and select Housekeeping Stuff to delete your ride or your account.
I still have questions. Who should I contact for more information?
For assistance, you may call (859) 257-9680 or send an e-mail to the PTS Special Event Coordinator.