Avego and FAST Potomac Yard offer new travel option to thousands of Virginia commuters
Today, Avego and the FAST Potomac Yard Transportation Management Association (TMA) are launching the first-ever “real-time ridesharing” (RTR) project on the East Coast. Northern Virginia commuters searching for green and affordable transportation options can now share rides in real-time, using the FAST Potomac Yard iPhone app, available for free download from the App Store.
Slugging is a popular Washington, DC phenomenon of commuters co-operating to use HOV lanes and known pick-up and drop-off points to increase commute quality and efficiency. Similarly, real-time ridesharing allows commuters to share a ride whenever they like, without committing to a fixed carpool, with the convenience of Avego’s iPhone app to find carpooling partners along new commute paths.
Once a match is made, Avego manages the journey from pick-up to drop-off, providing real-time status updates, automated security features, and electronic micro-payments that allow riders and drivers to share the cost of a journey.
By allowing drivers to save gas money simply by sharing a ride, Avego hopes to extend the slugging concept well beyond HOV lanes.
Heather Perkins, TMP Manager for FAST said, “Real-time ridesharing is an exciting new transportation mode with great growth potential. Partnering with Avego allows us to easily offer RTR as another safe, affordable and convenient commute alternative to our members.”
The first 100 FAST members who register will receive $10 in free Avego credits to use toward real-time ridesharing journeys. In addition, people who live or work in Arlington Potomac Yard can earn $25 per month in gas cards—just for trying out the app.
Jason Conley, Avego’s Director of Government Relations, added, “Partnering with FAST is a great way for Avego to reach commuters who are looking for a sustainable alternative to being stuck in traffic. With 6,500 area commuters already “slugging” to work every day, we believe real-time ridesharing has great growth potential in Northern Virginia.”