A guaranteed ride home program can be defined as `an arrangement to assure employees that they will have some back-up transportation to be used in case of an emergency'. In general, such an arrangement is introduced by employers in order to stimulate the use of alternative travel modes like ridesharing or bicycling. Recently, guaranteed ride home (GRH) programs have been introduced in the United States. The aim of the present study is to examine the existing literature and collect some general information on various aspects on GRH programs if these would be introduced in the Dutch situation. A series of interviews has been conducted and a questionnaire has been sent out to a number of experts who would be involved in such programs. The analyses and literature survey suggests that GRH programs in the United States have in general satisfied their aims and objectives, although it should be noted that systemetic and methodologically sound research is still largely lacking. The overall opinion among experts however is that GRH programs have a positive effect on people's decision to participate in ridesharing initiatives, because they reduce the risk involved.
Abstract