Frequently Asked Questions about Park & Ride Lots
What is a Park & Ride lot?
A Park & Ride lot is a group of parking spaces designated specifically for the purpose of giving people a place to park so they can meet up with their carpool, vanpool or buspool partners. Some Park & Ride lots are also served by transit. Amenities range from parking spaces only to security service, bicycle lockers, telephones, restrooms and even child care centers. A Park & Ride lot can be as big as hundreds of parking spaces with all the perks or as small as a designated area at a church or shopping center parking lot.
Where can I find a Park & Ride lot?
Many Park & Ride lots are designated by signs on freeways and streets—you’ve probably passed them many times in your travels. We can help you locate a Park & Ride lot in a city near you.
If I go to a Park & Ride, will there be a ride waiting for me?
If you want to carpool or vanpool, you’ll need to make arrangements ahead of time. These lots aren’t for the purpose of matching up riders but, rather, they provide convenient parking for those who’ve decided to share the ride. If you’re hoping to catch a bus, it’s helpful to have a schedule ahead of time. Not all Park & Ride lots service transit.
Is my local Metrolink, Metro Rail or transit station a Park & Ride?
If an area is designated as a Park & Ride lot, that means that carpoolers, vanpoolers and buspoolers may use it to park and meet up with their fellow ridesharers. Most Metrolink, Metro Rail and transit stations are not Park & Ride lots. These facilities are reserved for their customers due to limited parking availability. Some stations, however, also serve as Park & Ride lots (meaning they allow carpoolers and vanpoolers to use the facility as well as transit riders). If that’s the case, they’ll be included in our Park & Ride lot list, and Park & Ride lot signs will be posted at the actual facility. Be warned: If you attempt to use a rail or bus station that is not a Park & Ride lot to park and meet up with your carpool or vanpool, you could be ticketed or towed.
What if there isn’t a Park & Ride lot near my home?
Depending on where you live and work, you may be able to use a Park & Ride lot along the route of your commute. You can drive part way, park, then rideshare for the remainder of your commute. If you have a need or suggestion for a Park & Ride lot location, please let us know by calling 1.800.COMMUTE. Feedback from commuters helps us plan Park & Ride lots more effectively.
Is there a cost to use a Park & Ride lot?
Most Park & Ride lots are free, although occasionally permits or fees may be required.
What are the hours of operation?
Most Park & Ride lots are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some lots—such as those leased from churches or shopping centers—may have time restrictions. Consider driving to the lot before you need to use it to check for information on posted signs, or call the agency that operates it.
How can I get more information on a Park & Ride lot?
Call 1.800.COMMUTE, select option “3” for rideshare/Park & Ride lot information, then choose the county where the Park & Ride lot is located to be directed to an operator who can provide details such as number of spaces, whether permits are required and so on.