Gas Prices Are So Bad Americans Are Carpooling Again, And It's Actually Working
Desperate Times, Creative Commutes
With fuel prices doing their usual wallet damage, some "enterprising" types have taken things to extremes, like literally drilling into fuel tanks to siphon petrol. For everyone else, there's a far less criminal, and far more practical, response: carpooling. According to the Today show, a mix of relentless congestion, rising pump prices, and frictionless app-based coordination has pushed shared commuting back into relevance, particularly across major U.S. metros.
West Coast-based carpooling platform Scoop reported a 40% jump in rides from February to March alone, a sharp month-on-month spike that tracks closely with fuel price volatility and return-to-office mandates. Commuters in similar neighborhoods are algorithmically paired, splitting fuel costs instead of paying a full ride-share fare. With the average ride hovering around 18 miles and roughly $9 per person, it undercuts traditional ride-hailing while turning unused seats into tangible savings.
HOV Lanes Perks
The carpool (HOV) lane has long been the most coveted strip of asphalt during rush hour, a fast lane reserved for those clever enough to share a ride. But beyond shaving minutes off a commute, the modern carpool offers a more layered value proposition. It's not just about beating traffic; it's about redistributing the cost of mobility in an era where solo driving is increasingly inefficient.
There's also a human element that's been largely absent from the gigified transport economy. Unlike rideshare services, where interaction is optional and often minimal, carpooling introduces a recurring social dynamic. As highlighted in the video, most riders sit up front, creating a more conversational, shared experience. Whether it's coworkers, neighbors, or even school administrators commuting together, the system builds micro-communities, something algorithms alone can't replicate. Add in incentives from cities, like transit credits or perks, and carpooling starts to look less like a compromise and more like a strategic upgrade.
Public Transportation Isn't Optional for Most
Let's be honest: telling people to "just drive less" isn't a solution and sound more like a soundbite. Public transportation isn't optional for most, and the infrastructure in many parts of the U.S. still assumes car dependency. The real question isn't whether people should drive less, but how they can drive smarter, carpooling answers that without requiring a wholesale lifestyle shift or waiting on long-term policy fixes.
What's emerging here is a pragmatic middle ground. You keep the convenience and flexibility of a car, but dilute the cost and inefficiency by sharing the journey. When the average vehicle still carries barely more than one occupant, the upside is obvious. Modern carpooling has just been re-engineered for a smartphone-first world. And right now, with costs climbing and patience thinning, that reinvention is hitting at exactly the right time.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 5:30 AM.