Casual Carpool Popular commuter option to cross Bay Bridge returns with Oakland stop

Casual Carpool has resumed operations in the Bay Area, starting with a single pick-up location at Grand Avenue and Lake Park Avenue in Oakland. The service runs Monday through Friday from 5 a. m. to 10 a. m.

, transporting passengers to near Salesforce Tower in San Francisco. Community organizer Camille Bermudez revealed that a survey showed 43% of respondents had never used the service before, indicating a potential influx of new riders. Participants are encouraged to share costs with drivers, with a suggested monetary contribution to help offset expenses. Greg Riessen, a longtime participant, has developed an app named Rapid Carpool to enhance the carpooling experience by connecting drivers and riders just before exiting the freeway. Many participants expressed optimism about the program regaining its pre-pandemic popularity.

Community organizers plan to gradually reopen additional locations, aiming to have all 20 original spots operational by August 2026. The revival of Casual Carpool may significantly impact local commuting behavior and reduce traffic congestion.