Share A Ride - Carpool or Vanpool

Commuting in the Washington Metropolitan area can be challenging, with growing traffic congestion and increased air pollution from vehicle emissions in recent years. To help alleviate traffic, reduce pollution, and ease the stress of daily commutes, NIH offers a free Carpool and Vanpool Matching Service through the NIH Rideshare Program. Managed by the Employee Transportation Services Office (ETSO), within the Division of Amenities and Transportation Services, Office of Research Services, this program is available to all NIH employees seeking both temporary and permanent ride-sharing options.

Joining the NIH Rideshare Program is easy! 

The program is available to all employees and contractors with NIH PIV card access. Once logged in, click the "Join Rideshare" button and follow the on-screen instructions. After joining, you can search for other Rideshare members who live and work near you and send them an email. To log in, use your NIH username and password via your CAPS account by clicking the logo below.

 

RideSharing Benefits!

• Reserved Carpool Parking: Enjoy carpool parking lots that are easily accessible, with reserved spots available until 11:00 AM.
• Vanpool Parking: Registered vanpools are guaranteed a reserved parking space in a parking lot of their choice.
• HOV Lane Access: Benefit from using High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for both carpools and vanpools.
• Guaranteed Ride Home: Qualify for the "Guaranteed Ride Home Program," sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
• Cost Savings: Save money on gas, auto insurance, and vehicle wear and tear.

Additionally, if you must drive to work, carpool and vanpool riders are eligible for up to 48 temporary one-day parking permits per calendar year. These permits can be obtained online through the CAPS System or by emailing a request to nihparkingoffice@nih.gov.

Obtaining a Carpool Parking Permit

The NIH Campus Carpool Permit requires at least two applicants who work at NIH on-campus locations and are approved for parking privileges.

To obtain a carpool parking permit, both carpoolers must visit the parking office during walk-in services, which are available Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Please bring the following items:

 - NIH ID numbers for both carpoolers

- License plate numbers and states of registration for both vehicles (each carpooler must have a vehicle)

- Make, model, and year of both vehicles (a copy of the registration is preferred)

- Home addresses for both carpoolers

Important: If you currently hold an NIH Parking Permit (such as General, Contractor, Off-Campus, Red, Disability, etc.), you must return the permit before applying for a carpool permit. Please bring it with you.

This permit is valid in designated "CP Spaces reserved until 11:00 AM" in parking lots/garages across the campus. If carpool spaces are full, the permit is also valid in "General" parking spaces. Carpool parking permits are valid in RED areas after 3:00 PM.