NEWS & RESOURCES
A woman checks her cellpone
Blog, Carpooling, News, Teleworking, Vanpooling

Looking for an easier way to carpool, vanpool or plan your commute?

ConnectingVA, the app that powers MidPenRideShare, is a free platform that helps you find carpooling matches, track your trips and explore smarter ways to get where you’re going. Whether you prefer using a desktop or your phone, getting started is quick and simple.

Here’s how to register—both on the website and through the mobile app.

Option 1: Register on the Website

If you prefer to sign up on your computer, you can create your account in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Visit the ConnectingVA Website

Head to the ConnectingVA homepage to get started.

Step 2: Click “Sign Up”

Look for the “JOIN” button on the homepage.

Step 3: Enter Your Information

You’ll be asked to provide:

  • Your name
  • Email address
  • Home and work locations (or common destinations)
  • Your typical commute schedule

This helps ConnectingVA find the best matches and options for you.

Step 4: Set Your Preferences

Choose how you want to commute:

  • Carpool
  • Vanpool
  • Transit
  • Biking or walking

You can customize your preferences based on what works best for your routine.

Step 5: Confirm Your Account

Check your email for a confirmation link and activate your account.

Once you’re in, you can start exploring matches, logging trips and planning your commute right away.

Option 2: Register Through the Mobile App

Prefer to do everything from your phone? The ConnectingVA app makes it easy to sign up and manage your commute on the go.

Step 1: Download the App

Search “ConnectingVA” in the App Store or Google Play and download the app to your device.

Step 2: Open the App and Tap “Sign Up”

Once installed, open the app and select the option to create a new account.

Step 3: Enter Your Details

Just like the website, you’ll enter:

  • Name and email
  • Home and destination locations
  • Commute schedule

Step 4: Set Your Commute Preferences

Select how you’re interested in getting around—carpooling, vanpooling, or other options.

Step 5: Verify Your Account

Confirm your email to complete registration.

From there, you’ll have full access to matches, trip tracking and commute tools—right from your phone.

What Happens After You Register?

Once your account is set up, ConnectingVA helps you:

  • Find carpool and vanpool matches
  • Track your trips and commute habits
  • Discover Park and Ride locations
  • Access resources to make commuting easier

It’s all designed to help you save time, reduce costs, and make your commute more efficient.

Get Started Today

Whether you sign up on your computer or download the app, ConnectingVA makes it easy to take the first step toward a smarter commute.

Create your account, explore your options and see how simple ridesharing can be.

MidPenRideShare is a free service operated by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission for residents, workers, commuters, and tourists in Virginia’s Middle peninsula (Counties of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews, and Middlesex and the towns of Tappahannock, Urbanna, and West Point).
The Commission has partnered with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and their Virginia-wide ConnectingVA program to provide free ridematching to find carpools, vanpools, and all forms of public transportation, trip planning, and information on park-and-ride lots, bike share services, electric vehicle charging stations, and rewards.