Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a charge to use Cool to Pool? There is no charge to use Cool to Pool. The system is maintained by the North Florida TPO (Transportation Planning Organization).

How does the system work? Cool to Pool uses state-of-the-art mapping technology to search for matches around or along your commuting route. It displays those matches to you on an interactive Google map, and allows you to send an e-mail to potential matches.

How do I create an account? Registering is easy. Follow these steps:

First time users:
  • Click on ‘Register Now’
  • Enter your email address and select a password
    • NOTE: Entering your work email address lets you match within your company.
  • Enter your personal profile information
  • Enter your address information, including:
    • Home address
    • Origin address (if different from your home address)
    • Destination (work) address
  • Define your travel schedule.
  • Activate your account using the e-mail sent to you by Cool to Pool.
  • Login to search for matches, document your commutes in the Commute Tracker and enter contests
Why do you recommend that I use my work email address? Experience shows people searching for carpool partners are most comfortable searching within their own company. Email verification of the work e-mail address ensures that people who want to search within their own employer group are doing so with other validated registrants.

Do I have to make myself available for matching or to respond to matching requests? No, but we hope that you will consider matching with other commuters where possible, since that will help reduce pollution and congestion in our region. We understand that this is a new system that will take some time to mature, and you may not have suitable matches today. In the meantime, we sincerely appreciate your participation and ask that you continue to document your commute.

What if I don’t want to be contacted through Cool to Pool because I already have a carpool partner? Simply click on the “Edit My Profile" button and check the button “Make me Unavailable for Matching". You can still use all other features of the system. Is my information private? Yes. Your data is secured with the same technologies used by on-line banking merchants. No information is given to any external agency at any time.

Is my car insurance affected by connecting with a carpooler? Personal vehicle insurance is dependent upon your policy, but most insurers require passenger insurance coverage as part of any basic package. If you have any doubts, check with your insurance provider prior to initiating any carpool. Cool to Pool assumes no responsibility for insurance issues.

I registered using my email home address, but now want to match within my employer group – I need to change my e-mail. Click on the “Edit My Login" button to modify your UserID. You will immediately receive an email which will ask you to click on a provided link to confirm your new email address is valid.

I forgot my UserID. Remember that your UserID is also your email address. If you are unsure which e-mail you used, use the “Contact Us" form to contact Cool to Pool for help.

I forgot my Password. On the login page click on “Forgot your password?" Enter your email address and the password will be e-mailed to you.

What if I don’t find a match? First, make sure you’ve tried adjusting your search settings. The default setting searches within two miles from where you live or work or two miles along your route. You can expand or reduce these search distances as necessary. If you still don’t find a match, try searching again in a week or two. It takes a while to build up registrants in the database so don’t give up if you’re not immediately successful.

Will there be contests available to enter year-round? It depends. We’re working to get prizes donated year-round. To do that, we need to show our potential sponsors lots of activity on the system. You can help by logging your trips, entering contests and telling your friends about Cool to Pool.

Will encouraging carpooling reduce transit use? Cool to Pool is all about improving the travel options for commuters. Typically carpoolers are those whose origin, destination or working hours are not conducive to using transit. There have been no known studies that demonstrate a correlation between a ridematching system and reduced transit use. In fact, when more options are available to commuters some may find that by carpooling on some days they are more likely to use transit on the days they don’t carpool.

How do I get help if I’m having technical problems, comments or questions? If you have any questions use the “Contact Us" form for assistance.