University of Vermont
Share the ride. CATpool together.
UVM's student rideshare and carpool app — share Travel rides across Vermont and beyond, or Daytrips for hikes, errands, and events. Save money, cut emissions, and ride with fellow Catamounts.
About
What is CATpooling?
CATpool is the University of Vermont’s student rideshare and carpool platform — built to connect Catamounts going the same way, whether that’s a weekend home or a hike after class, and to cut greenhouse gas emissions by replacing solo trips, flights, and other CO₂-intensive travel with shared rides.
All drivers and riders are expected to follow our rules and expectations and to review our Terms & Conditions.
Travel and Daytrips
Two kinds of CATpools, one community. Drivers post the kind that matches the trip; riders browse each list separately.
Travel
City to city
Going home for break, a weekend in Boston, or a lift to the train — Travel is for longer hops between cities.
Partial rides welcome
Riders can request a drop-off or pickup along the route, not only the full origin-to-destination trip.
Daytrips
Outings and errands
Hikes, ski days, groceries, concerts, airport runs — Daytrips are same-day (or short round-trip) plans around a place or activity.
Place names, full ride
Drivers can add a specific spot (like a trailhead or the Davis Center). Maps still use city centers; everyone rides the full origin-to-destination route.
How it works
From NetID signup to an accepted seat — here’s the path.
- 01
Create your account
Sign up with your UVM NetID email. Only verified UVM students can use CATpool.
- 02
Ride or drive
Browse Travel for city-to-city trips, or Daytrips for hikes, groceries, concerts, and airport runs. Add a vehicle to post either kind.
- 03
Form a group
Request to join a trip or accept passenger requests. Drivers approve riders before anyone is added to the pool.
- 04
Stay notified
Get alerts when someone requests to join your pool, or when a driver accepts your request.
Why CATpool?
Environmental, economic, and social gains from sharing the ride.
Environmental
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
One study found that if an additional passenger was added to 1 out of every 100 vehicles in the US, we could reduce climate warming GHG by 7.2 million tons.
Improve air quality
Fewer vehicles on the road means reduced emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, helping improve local air quality and public health.
Reduce energy consumption
Carpooling lowers overall fuel use and can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Extend longevity of vehicles and infrastructure
With more carpooling, average vehicle usage drops — lowering mileage and wear so vehicles need replacing less often. Fewer cars on the road can also reduce road wear and long-term maintenance needs.
Economic
Save money
Riders can split fuel, toll, and other travel expenses, reducing travel costs for everyone involved.
Improve inclusivity
Carpooling makes travel more accessible to financially constrained individuals.
Support car-free lifestyles
Carpooling allows people to live without a vehicle, alleviating a significant individual financial cost.
Improve access to more communities
Carpooling opens up travel options to regions not well served by public transit.
Social
Reduce travel stress
Sharing driving responsibilities can lessen the mental fatigue associated with driving alone.
Increase transportation equity
Carpooling can provide mobility options for individuals who cannot drive, do not own a vehicle, or have limited transportation access.
Reduce traffic
Alleviate traffic congestion and parking demand by reducing the number of cars on the road.
Save time
Access High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or carpool lanes to increase route efficiency.
Enhance community
Build a sense of community by sharing your drive with neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
How CATpool was developed
UVM CATpooling was envisioned by Transportation Team Eco-Reps in the Office of Sustainability, built by UVM Computer Science students, and made possible by an award from the Sustainable Campus Fund (SCF).
UVM CATpool is proudly made for and by the UVM Community.
Know the rules before you ride
Review general, passenger, and driver expectations — then get on the road with fellow Catamounts.