EVALUATION OF THE BALTIMORE GUARANTEED RIDE HOME PROGRAM

This report evaluates the implementation of a guaranteed ride home (GRH) program in the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport employment area during its demonstration period from March 1992 to March 1993. The GRH program offered employees of member organizations, who use transit or rideshare at least three times per week and who register for the program, free rides home in the case of personal or family emergencies or unscheduled overtime, via taxis or rental cars depending on the distance of their residences from their places of employment. The GRH program was well received by member employers and employees; program participation increased steadily throughout the demonstration; and minimal program abuse occurred. While there is no conclusive evidence that the GRH program directly increased high occupancy vehicle (HOV) use in the BWI employment area during the demonstration, the program may have helped to retain existing HOV users. As the 1990 Clean Air Act requirements for large employers to reduce single occupancy commuting become effective, interest in the GRH program may grow as a means to encourage increases in average vehicle occupancy.