Houston METRO's RideShare group offers a free service that uses an extensive database for computerized ridematching and origin/destination mapping. The Houston METRO's RideShare service matches commuters who live and work near each other for carpools and vanpools. Once a rider has been matched, his/her group selects the schedule and the most convenient pickup and drop-off points. If there are not many people in a matched group, the group can decide to form a carpool in place of a vanpool. At present, RideShare serves commuters from the eight-county region: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Harris, Montgomery and Waller.
http://www.ridemetro.org/TransportationServices/Carpool_Vanpool_Services/Ride_Matching.asp

Center for Transportation Research. Use of Traveler Information to Enhance Toll Road Operations — “This research product provides in-depth analysis of the benefits and costs of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) deployment to enhance toll road operations in Texas, the implementation issues of ATIS, and funding opportunities for ATIS implementations. A case study of costbenefit analysis was conducted using the Austin transportation network. The evaluation results show that ATIS deployment proposed in a previous simulation study is cost-effective. A practical framework for ATIS implementation was developed. In general, Texas TMCs are capable of providing the traveler information desired by the public. The funding opportunities for ATIS deployment are generally from the public sector. The funding opportunities from the private sector are very limited and need substantial marketing effort. Several business models are reviewed. It was found that most TMCs in Texas are using the Public-Centered Operations model. There is significant scope left for private sector involvement.

Assessing consumer response to advanced traveler information systems — “ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORmation systems (ATIS) are a key component of the intelligent transportation infrastructure. To seek a better understanding of these systems' potential role as an instrument of travel demand and congestion management, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, in cooperation with ITS America and the Association for Commuter Transportation, sponsored a one-day symposium to assess ATIS effects on travel behavior, travel patterns and transportation system performance. The symposium, held on March 23, 1997 in Tampa, Florida, USA drew 60 representatives of local transportation agencies, information service providers, consultants and market research experts.”