I commute from X to Y each day. Can you find me a ride-share?
This site is designed to empower you to find ride-shares
yourself, through our database. You can enter your commute information into
our database by registering on this website. You might get matches with people using their own vehicles, or you might match up with one of Jack Bell's commuter vehicles (vans and cars!). By giving you direct control
of your own ride-share matching, we are able to serve more commuters.
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Can I use the database for ocassional (e.g. shopping) or long-distance trips
The program is intended to assist people who travel
from home to work/school. Although we have no issue with alternative commutes,
our system is designed to best help people looking for regular commutes and working/school schedules.
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I have a group of commuters that wish to ride together, but we do not have a vehicle large enough or available. What can we do?
Please contact us at 1-888-380-7433 and ask if you can acquire your own route using a Jack Bell fleet vehicle.
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Are Jack Bell fleet vehicles available anywhere?
We are a BC wide program. Currently, due to demand, we operate vehicles within the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. We are able and willing to add non-existing routes subject to participation.
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Are there any hidden costs?
No. Use of this website is absolutely free. Once you find a ride-share,
you will need to decide how to share the costs of your commute with the other
members of your group.
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I'd like to have a poster or brochure to show my co-workers. Where can I get one?
Contact Us and have materials mailed to you. You may also wish for us to visit your work site and do a live presentation to your department.
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Will other users see my name and email address?
Other users will never see your name. Your email address is only
exchanged with commuters who you select, by sending or accepting ride-share
suggestions.
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Why have I not received a PIN?
Try looking in your "junk mail" (or similar) folder as strong
spam-filtering may filter out our messages. Consider adding our email address to your
"safe" list.
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Can I change my password/PIN?
Sorry, no! Our system automatically generates a random
PIN for you. This prevents people from re-using a sensitive password (e.g. online banking). Furthermore, a new PIN code is generated automatically every 6 months when you have to re-verify your account -- this makes sure our database stays fresh! But don't worry about forgetting your PIN -- we embed it in every email you receive from our system (a link that you can also use as a bookmark), and you can also have it sent to you by clicking on the convenient link in the menu bar, or here http://online.ride-share.com/en/my/myforgot.php
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I have a new email address, but the 'my profile' page will not let me update it. Why not? Can you update my profile for me?
Every commuter that registers must verify their email address by
clicking a link sent to the email address provided. By clicking the emailed
link, commuters prove that this is an active email address. This ensures our
database only contains accurate email addresses. For this very reason, we
cannot change your email address. We ask that you please delete your old profile
(from the 'my profile' page) and re-register with your new email address.
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Why does the system tell me that my email account is already being used when I try and register?
After you sign up at our site, you have to verify your account
before using it. The system automatically sends you a verification email with
an embedded link. If you have not received the PIN email, it is likely in
your "junk mail" (or similar) folder.
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How do I make changes to my trips?
Log-in > Go to "my trips" > Press "edit" under "my trip 1" > Make changes as necessary > and press "Save"
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Why isn't my postal code in your database?
Our data is constantly being updated, however we're always a little behind Canada Post! So, in the meantime, please try using an adjacent postal code and Contact Us to let us know about your missing postal code.
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My postal code does not match your map. Why?
Large institutions often process their mail centrally -- in other words, not in the building that you work in! Try using an adjacent postal code from across the street or a nearby area using Canada Post's site at http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pcl/bin/advanced-e.asp. Also, Contact Us to let us know about it by contacting our support centre through this link
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How do I start communicating with my matches?
Please review the details of your match including
the map provided. If the match looks promising, press the "suggest a
rideshare" button to begin communication.
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How do I delete or hide matches that I've looked at and have decided aren't suitable?
Currently, there is no way to eliminate matches from your match list. We hope to introduce this feature in a future version.
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I sent a suggestion to someone. Why is the "Inbox" greyed out?
Your inbox only becomes accessible when there is something in it! In other words, once the other person responds to your suggestion, then you will be able to access your "Inbox".
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I have sent suggestions without any replies/results. Am I doing something wrong?
Users are sent an email as soon as you send a suggestion, and reminders. If, after 14 days, they have still not made a decision, your suggestion will automatically "expire" and will be indicated as such on your match list.
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I accepted a Ride-Share suggestion. Am I now obligated to ride-share with this other commuter?
No. By tentatively accepting a ride-share suggestion, your email addresses are exchanged so that you are able to discuss your ride-sharing compatibility with your match.
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I have accidentally declined a suggestion. Can I get it back?
Please contact our support centre
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How do I remove/delete people from my RideShare list?
People who are not ride-sharing with you must delete themselves. Currently, there is no way to remove someone else from your ride-share group and this option is only available to administration. Contact Us if you've emailed the person to ask them to remove themselves and have not received a reply.
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Can you send a JBR or private vehicle to pick me up?
Not unless you are registered with JBR and already in a vanpool/carpool
or in the rideshare data-base. We do not operate like a taxi or shuttle service. All rides that we
provide are pre-arranged with a particular vanpool group. We suggest you contact: TransLink for bus routes
within the GVRD or BC Transit within the Capital
Regional District or outside the Lower Mainland, or your local Taxi service.
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How can I start my own vanpool?
Contact JBR directly for more information.
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How many people do I need to start a vanpool?
Seven commuters can begin to vanpool (driver pays the full monthly
fare). You may want to consider starting a vanpool with 6 commuters,
if the group is prepared to pay for the empty seat until a seventh rider
can be found.
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Who owns the vehicles?
The Jack Bell Foundation owns the vehicles. They are purchased with
loans provided by, Coast Capital Savings, TD Canada Trust, VanCity and
HSBC.
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What about insurance?
JBR has $10,000,000 in liability coverage per vehicle. If you have
an accident while driving a JBR van/car, your personal insurance is
unaffected. However, if the accident is deemed to be your fault, vanpool/carpool
driving privileges may be revoked.
Note: All accidents with JBR owned vehicles increases operational costs.
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What if I only need a ride on certain days and would like to drive
on other days?
Depending on the vanpool, this choice may be available to you.
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What if I want to cycle and vanpool to work?
JBR vans/cars do not provide bike racks, however, if you decide to cycle
to a pickup point or from a drop off location to work, your group can
purchase an approved bike rack and install it at the cost of the group.
For more information about cycling please contact BEST (Better Environmentally
Sound Transportation) at 669-2860
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Who funds the vanpool/carpool program?
TransLink, within the GVRD and BC Transit on Vancouver Island provide
administrative funding. The operational costs are paid with the van/carpool fares, paid to
the Foundation on a monthly basis. [back2top]
What are the environmental and economic benefits of vanpooling?
According to an environmental study, vanpools/carpools currently reduce
pollutant emissions by 150 tones per year. The current incremental cost
saving to society is over $1.8 million dollars per year. Vanpooling/carpooling
is one of the most cost-effective modes of commuter transportation.
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How do I pay?
The driver collects the monthly fare on the first of each month from
the riders. The driver pays for fuel using a credit card provided by
JBR. The funds collected are submitted to JBR before the 5th of the
next month so that insurance, maintenance, credit card bills and loan
payments can be made. JBR pays for all operating costs of the minivan/car
except for parking.
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How much does it cost to be in a JBR vanpool or carpool?
Vanpool/carpool fares are determined by the number of kilometers traveled
per month, making it most economical for commuters who work fixed schedules/
full-time shift schedules and drive on a daily basis. [back2top]
What happens when I go on vacation?
A vanpool/carpooler rider must still pay the monthly fare when on vacation
to ensure their seat is available upon return, but most vanpools/carpools
have a list of occasional riders who will fill and pay for the empty
seat.
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What if I want to stop vanpooling?
Riders are requested to give 30days notice before leaving a vanpool/carpool
to ensure that the vanpool/carpool can recruit a new member. JBR will
also help your vanpool /carpool by providing names of potential riders. It’s your responsibility as a registered commuter/driver with
JBR to notify us, in advance, if and when you decide to leave.
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What if a vanpool needs to disband?
If your vanpool/carpool can no longer continue to operate, simply call
us to arrange a return of your vehicle. Your vanpool/carpool operates
on a month-to-month basis, so you are not committed to a long-term contract.
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Are the drivers employees of the Jack Bell Foundation?
No, the drivers of the vehicles are commuters, just like you. They
are approved to become drivers, subject to an ICBC driving history report.
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What are the responsibilities of a vanpool driver?
In exchange for a reduced fare (when the vanpool is full) and personal
use of the van, a driver collects fares, fuels the van, ensures the
vehicle is cleaned and serviced and safely drives the vanpool/carpool
group to and from work.
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Do I need a special license to be a vanpool driver?
Our vans are 8 passengers mid size vans so no special license is necessary
other than what is required in order to drive a car. However, we do
request that the primary driver be eligible for the 40% discount offered
by ICBC.
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As a driver, am I permitted personal use of the van?
Yes, the driver can use the van/car for personal use. The fee is 25cents
per km up to a maximum of 300 kilometers per month and 45 cents for
over 300 kilometers. Approved back up Drivers may also use the van/car
upon arranging access with the primary driver.
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Can there be more than one driver?
Yes, a few or all riders can share driving privilages.
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What fuel will my van use?
Vanpool/carpool vehicles are powered by regular grade gasoline.
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Where will I be picked up?
Riders are picked up either near or at their homes. The route is planned
so that the least possible time is needed to collect the passengers.
Some riders may be asked to walk or drive to a convenient pickup point
such as a park n ride lot. Most vanpools/carpool have a no-wait policy
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What happens when a driver is sick or goes on vacation?
If the driver is sick or goes on vacation, one of the backup drivers
takes over the responsibilities. Each vanpool/carpool needs two riders
who are willing to act as backup drivers.
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What happens if the van breaks down?
If the van/car fails to operate, riders can carpool using their own
cars and be reimbursed. If the vehicle breaks down while on the road
they can 1.) Call Roadside Assistance for vehicles under warranty 2.)
Call Busters Towing if in Vancouver and other approved tow companies
if outside Vancouver.
Since the vans/cars are well maintained it is unlikely that you will
have mechanical problems that would prevent you from getting to work.
When maintenance or repairs are needed loaner vans are available at
Paul Fong GM located at the corner of 7th and Cambie in Vancouver or
at Fountain Tire in Victoria. [back2top]
Can vanpools use the bus lanes?
In the Lower Mainland, there are a number of bus lanes that vanpools
with 6 or more passengers can use. These are located at: Lions Gate
Bridge, Second Narrows Bridge, Pitt Meadows, Richmond and Delta. The
Barnett Hastings express lanes allow vehicles with 2 or more passengers,
See HOV lanes usage for more details.
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Are pets allowed in JBR vanpools or carpools?
Only if they are registered and certified working dogs, which
include Seeing Eye dogs, Hearing Guide dogs, and Special Needs Guide
dogs.
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Can a family member use my vanpool/carpool seat,
when I'm not commuting that day?
No, the agreement is strictly between you and JBR.
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