Instant Carpool: Updated for More Flexibility
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Let’s be honest: the "crawl" on the major Texas freeways can really ruin anyone’s day, but no worries, we’ve updated ConnectSmart to help you reclaim your time and make your carpooling options more flexible.
The biggest change? Now you can turn your solo drive into a carpool in an instant via our new instant carpool feature update.
How to Invite Riders Mid-Trip 🛣️
Whether a neighbor’s car won't start or a coworker needs a last-minute lift, you can now add riders on the fly to your trip.
For Instant Carpool Drivers: 🚙
Start Your Trip: Enter your destination and begin navigating as usual.
Invite Riders:
Option 1: Using ConnectSmart Navigation: Tap the "Invite Riders" icon directly on your navigation screen.
Option 2: Using Third-Party Maps (Waze, Google, Apple): Switch back to the ConnectSmart app and tap "Invite Carpooler" on the Trip in Progress screen.
Option 3: Using CarPlay/Android Auto: Open the step-by-step directions on your phone and tap "Invite Carpooler" at the bottom.
Show the Code: A QR code will appear on your phone for your riders to scan.
Confirm: You’ll get a notification when they've joined, and you can view them on your Confirmed Riders list.
HOV Routing: Once your rider has joined, your route will update automatically to show an HOV option if one is available.
For Instant Carpool Riders: 🤳
Need a last-minute lift? Arrange for a friend to come pick you up, then when you’re in the car, snap and go:
Option 1: New- Just point your phone’s camera at the driver’s screen to scan their QR code—it works just like a digital menu.
Option 2: New- Use the app’s landing page camera in the bottom right corner to scan their QR code.
Option 3: Original- You can also still start an instant carpool the traditional way from the carpool page and use the ConnectSmart scanner that pops up after selecting “Rider” and “Next”.
Why It’s Worth It 🪙
Beyond beating the traffic, "fampooling" (carpooling with family) or riding with friends helps you earn Carpool Rewards. You can convert these Coins into real gift cards for the stores where you already shop. Plus, taking one car to major events makes finding parking a breeze for everyone.
Ready to see it in action? Check out our tutorial video or open ConnectSmart to start your next carpool trip.
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