My One-Time Rides Guide – Pace Commuter Rideshare Help & Support

The Pace Commuter Rideshare platform includes a one-time rides tool that helps commuters in the Chicago region create, request or offer a one-time carpool ride. 

Using this tool, you can enter your trip details, search for matches, and connect with other commuters to coordinate a shared ride for a single trip. Once a match is found, you can message the other commuter to finalize details such as timing, pickup location and cost-sharing. 

This one-time ride tool makes it easy to arrange a shared ride when your travel needs differ from your regular commute. 

Ways to Request or Offer a One-Time Carpool Ride

There are two ways to use the one-time rides tool:

• In the My Travel Tool section, open the Commute Preferences icon and select Yes for one-time trips that align with your regular commute. 
• Create a custom trip using the One-Time Ride tool for travel that differs from your saved commute preferences. 

How My One-Time Rides Tool Works

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit PaceCommuterRideshare.com and sign up to access the one-time rides tool.  

Step 2: Open the One-Time Rides Tool

Select My One-Time Rides from the main menu or Search Rides in the My Travel Tools section.

Step 3: Choose Your Type of Ride

Select your preferred option: carpool or transit (bus and train). The bike partner option is intended for workplaces or schools or organizations that support bike commuting programs.  

Step 4: Enter Your Trip Details

Input your start and end locations, along with your desired arrival time.  

• Check Can drive if you are offering a ride.
• Leave it unchecked if you are requesting a ride

Click Search to find potential one-time ride matches.

Advanced Search Options: 

Refine your search to improve results when using the one-time rides tool:

Transit: adjust how far you are willing to walk to and from a bus or train stop.

Carpools options:

• Origin/Destination radius – expand your search area around your start and end points
• Max detour – how far you’re willing to travel off route
• Time flexibility – how flexible your arrival time is

Pro tips: 

Setting the time flexibility to 0 minutes searches only for exact matches to the arrival time. 

Entering 30 minutes shows options with a 30-minute range before or after your selected time.

Step 5: Review Your Search Results

For carpool matches, browse matches and take action.

• Send a ride request or invitation
• Message others directly
• Coordinate trip details together
• Update or cancel your request anytime
• Check responses using the Check Status feature

Once you agree on a shared ride, the system sends a confirmation email so you can finalize your one-time carpool arrangement.

My One-Time Rides FAQs – Pace Commuter Rideshare Help & Support

Is there a one-time ride option for Pace Vanpools?

Yes, Pace offers VanGo, a flexible commuter option that allows you to reserve a Pace van for round-trip travel within a designated zone. This service is separate from the one-time rides tool, which focuses on creating or requesting individual carpool rides.

Is a one-time carpool ride the same as Uber or Lyft?

No. This one-time carpool rides tool is not a ride-hailing service.

• Pace does not dispatch drivers
• There is no real-time tracking
• Payments are not handled through the platform
• Drivers are not employed or screened by Pace

Instead, this tool helps commuters:

• Request or offer rides
• Connect with each other
• Coordinate their own trips

This model works especially well for workplaces or schools where many commuters are signing up at the same time, increasing the likelihood of matches.

Do I pay for the carpool one-time ride?

Payment arrangements are handled directly between the rider and driver. Pace does not set rates or collect payments. To estimate a fair rate, you may review the AAA's average cost per mile.

What if I don't find a one-time match?

Check your spam folder for missed messages. Adjust your trip details (time, location, flexibility) and search again using broader settings.

You can also encourage participation by:

• Promoting the tool at your workplace or school
• Partnering with HR teams or administrators
• Hosting commuter events

Higher participation leads to more matches.

What should I consider before accepting a one-time ride?

Before confirming a ride, consider:

• Reliability: Can you meet the agreed time and location?
• Flexibility: Are you open to small schedule adjustments or alternative pickup points?
• Coordination: Can you communicate clearly with the other commuter?