What is COREO?
COREO is a “share-the-expense” carpooling app that connects drivers and passengers while handling the cost-sharing process between them. The app is free to download, with only a small matching fee charged to passengers for each commute. Using COREO means lower costs for drivers, affordable, convenient travel for passengers, and a meaningful reduction in vehicle emissions.
What are the legal and insurance implications of carpooling?
Provincial law allows drivers to share one round trip per day with passengers and recover some vehicle costs, as long as they’re not making a profit. COREO’s cost-sharing system ensures that each driver reimbursement is always below the taxable threshold so no personal vehicles need to be registered as commercial.
Your regular car insurance should cover carpooling, but we recommend checking with your provider to confirm. Carpooling laws vary by province, so be sure to follow your local regulations as well.
Is carpooling legal in Canada?
Yes, but regulations are set provincially. In general, carpooling involves a driver sharing empty seats with passengers going the same way, with passengers covering part of the trip cost. The driver doesn’t make a profit—only recovers some expenses.
For specific provincial laws, see the following:
- Alberta: Traffic Safety Act, Transportation Alberta Carrier Services FAQ
- British Columbia: Passenger Transportation Act
- Saskatchewan: Traffic Safety Act (SGI offers carpooling guidance)
- Manitoba: Highway Traffic Act
- New Brunswick: Motor Carrier Act, section 1
- Newfoundland & Labrador: Motor Carrier Regulations, section 2(j)
- Northwest Territories: Motor Vehicle Act
- Nova Scotia: Motor Carrier Act, section 2(l)
- Ontario: Bill 213 (replaces Public Vehicles Act)
- Québec: LOI CONCERNANT LES SERVICES DE TRANSPORT PAR TAXI, section 3°
How can I use the service? How do I set up an account?
Joining COREO is quick, easy, and free. After downloading the app, follow the simple sign-up steps.
- Drivers: You’ll need a valid provincial or territorial driver’s licence, vehicle details, and bank account information to receive payments. You can switch to passenger mode within the app anytime.
- Passengers: Sign up with your name, mobile number, email, and a credit/debit card. If you would also lke to be a driver then you can add those extra details later.
*You must be 18+ to join COREO.
What are the benefits of COREO?
- Drivers and passengers can save up to 70% on solo commuting costs.
- You’ll reduce your commuting carbon footprint by more than 50%.
- Passengers enjoy quicker commutes, less stress, and help cut down on congestion, accidents, and pollution.
- Drivers recover up to 70% of their commuting cost, and enjoy building new commuter/coworker friendships to and from work.
- Easier to find parking by reducing parking demand and/or get to use carpool only designated parking spots.
- COREO is a great way to make new neighbourhood friends and build community.
When can I share a journey?
COREO is designed for daily commuting to and from work and can be done 7 days a week, if required. Why only two trips per day? Because that is the maximum number of trips per day allowed as a carpooler by provincial legislators and vehicle insurance companies. More than two rides per day would be considered a ride-hailing service, which would require a commercial vehicle license and commercial operator insurance like an Uber driver. Rush hour carpooling also offers the greatest volume of commuters, which allows COREO to create the most reliable carpooling platform for users looking to save time and money while also reducing congestion, pollution, and accidents.
How do I offer/request a carpool?
Scheduling and offering a carpool trip is all done within the COREO app. For a quick how-to video tutorial, click on the type of trip you are trying to offer:
- Use Schedule Ride for a carpool trip that you want to take later today or tomorrow. COREO batch matches all requested rides at 8:30pm local time the night before your commute and reconfirms the batch matches at 3pm the next day just for the return trips. You’ll automatically be notified by the app when the trip is matched to a Driver’s Offer or Passenger’s request.
- Use Routine Ride to set your weekly commuting routine and COREO will automatically batch match and notify you the night before each confirmed carpool trip.
How does COREO keep drivers and passengers safe?
Your safety is COREO’s top priority. Here are some of the many ways that we prioritize your safety:
- Passengers are verified via email and mobile number.
- Drivers go through extra checks, including licence, facial verification, and a KYC check through Stripe.
- Verification launch codes for each trip between passenger and driver
- Same gender preference option so you are never matched with the opposite gender unless you allow it. COREO also offers the option to carpool with a minimum of two other commuters in a trio.
- Transactions are handled securely by Stripe to keep everything cashless and scam-free.
- Personal contact details are kept private including user cell numbers.
- Driver and vehicle photos confirm the driver for passengers, and passenger photos confirm the rider for drivers.
What are the costs of carpooling with COREO?
There are no fees to join COREO. Passengers are only charged when they accept a ride and the app calculates cost-sharing between passengers and drivers. Drivers are reimbursed up to 64 cents per kilometre to ensure they are always below the CRA’s 2024 Automobile Allowance Rate. This amount is adjusted annually.
Passengers pay a COREO service fee (including GST), plus the driver’s reimbursement. There is never any surge pricing, and the fee is based on distance and the number of passengers in the carpool trip. Passengers see the total cost upfront before accepting a ride and drivers also see the reimbursement amount before they confirm a ride.
What is COREO's refund policy?
If a trip is not completed for any legitimate reason, COREO will process a refund. Contact customer service with the details, and we’ll happily review your request.
Does COREO charge a cancellation fee?
COREO doesn’t currently charge cancellation fees. We do track cancellations and may adjust our policy in the future to ensure the best experience for all users.
How do I print my receipts?
At the moment, receipts can’t be printed in-app. However, after each commute, both the driver and passenger receive an email with the trip details including the trip cost.
What if I don’t have a car?
Well, you can’t be a COREO driver, but you can still be a COREO passenger. Many drivers are happy to offer rides and split the cost.
How can I be a great COREO user?
Carpooling is like friendship—it’s based on respect and common sense.
Here’s how to be a great user:
- Be reliable. Don’t cancel last minute, and be on time for pick-up.
- Communicate! Use the app to let others know if you’re running late.
- Be considerate. Check before eating, drinking, or playing music.
- Don’t smoke in the car.
- Respect others’ preferences for conversation or quiet during the ride.
Are drivers and passengers rated?
Yes, both drivers and passengers can rate each other after a trip, based on the overall experience. You can also add your new friend as a favourite if you like. In the unfortunate scenario where you wouldn’t want to ride with someone again, then you can block a user to avoid being matched together in the future.
What if my driver’s licence is from another province?
COREO accepts valid driver’s licences from any Canadian province or territory.
Does the COREO app include road tolls or additional fees?
No, the app doesn’t include road tolls or additional charges. The mileage rates are designed to cover the basic running costs of the car. These rates will be adjusted annually by the COREO team based on inflation and fuel prices increases.
What should I do if the COREO app isn’t working?
If you’re having issues with the app, please email our Customer Service team at helpme@GoCoreo.com.
How do I message my driver or passenger?
Can I pay the driver in cash?
No, all payments are handled in-app to protect both drivers and passengers. This ensures drivers are properly reimbursed, and both parties know the cost upfront. Cash payments and tipping are not allowed, as COREO only covers cost recovery.
Why do I have to be 18+ to use the COREO app?
Users under 18 are considered minors and are subject to different laws. We look forward to welcoming you to the COREO community when you turn 18!
Does COREO have a referral program?
While we don’t offer formal referral rewards yet, you can easily share the app with friends and family using the “Refer Us” option in the main menu.
Can I use the COREO app on WiFi?
Yes, the app works with any valid data or WiFi connection.
Do I need to enable location services to use the Coreo app?
Yes, location services must be enabled for the app to provide accurate trip details and vehicle availability.
How can I give feedback about COREO?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send your feedback to Customercare@gocoreo.com with the subject line “Feedback on COREO App.”
Where can I review the COREO Terms of Service?
You can find our Terms of Service on our website at Terms of Service
Where can I review the COREO Privacy Policy?
You can find our Privacy Policy on our website at www.gocoreo.com/privacy.
How will I receive my driver reimbursement?
Coreo partners with Stripe to process reimbursements. Once you add your bank account to your profile, any accumulated trip reimbursements can be withdrawn from your COREO account at a minimum interval of once per week.
*Your bank details are submitted only to Stripe—we do not store that info. Stripe is PCI Level 1 and PIPEDA compliant—the strongest security levels in the payments industry—to keep your reimbursements and information safe.
Can I change my bank account details?
Yes, drivers can update their bank account details in the Settings section while in driver mode on the Coreo app.
What should I do if I can't find my passenger?
If you can’t spot your passenger, wait a bit before contacting them—they might be delayed. If they’re a no-show, then you can cancel the ride and the Coreo team will make a note of the passenger no-show.
If you need to cancel a ride, click the ‘Cancel’ button before the carpool is confirmed. After confirmation, cancellation isn’t possible.
What if there’s more than one passenger?
You can offer seats for a maximum of three passengers per trip, and Coreo will match you accordingly. Coreo automatically determines the increased cost recovery for the driver for multiple passengers, but it will always stay below the non-taxable cost recovery limit per km as specified by CRA.
Can I use COREO if I have a company car?
Yes, but make sure your insurance covers carpooling and your employer allows it.
Can I use COREO with a rented car?
Check with your rental company, as carpooling policies vary by provider.
Can I offer a ride if I ride a motorcycle or a scooter?
No, Coreo is currently only intended for drivers with cars, trucks or SUVs.
Can I use COREO to offer carpooling outside of Alberta (e.g. if I’m driving to Saskatchewan or the U.S.)?
Yes, but ensure your insurance covers both driving abroad and carpooling.
What if my driver reimbursement doesn’t come through?
If your payment hasn’t arrived within seven days of requesting the transfer then please contact customer service.
Will I get stopped by authorities for using the COREO app while driving?
If your phone is mounted, you’re generally allowed to use it for calls or GPS, but check local laws. The app requires minimal input once the trip starts, so be sure to set everything up before driving.
What if I have an accident during a carpool trip?
In the event of an accident, follow the standard procedures of your insurance provider: contact emergency services, gather witness statements, and notify your insurance company.
What if I’m injured in an accident caused by the passenger?
If injured, contact emergency services and follow your insurance’s claims process. Coreo facilitates carpool matches and in-app payment convenience, but isn’t responsible for incidents during trips.
How do I pay for my carpool?
Passengers must complete payment before the commute starts. We partner with Stripe for payments and accept Visa, Mastercard, and debit/prepaid cards. PayPal is not currently supported. Passenger credit cards are validated at the start of each trip and a negative trip balance will show up for each ride taken in a week. At the end of the week any negative trip balance is charged to the credit card or debit card on file.
Why isn’t my payment card working?
Double-check your card details to make sure they’re correct. If it still doesn’t work, your card may have expired or be blocked for online payments. Contact your bank to check the card’s status.
Can I save more than one payment card in the COREO app?
Yes, you can store multiple cards on the app and choose the one you want to use for each trip.
Is it safe to use my payment card through the app?
Yes, Coreo partners with Stripe for payments. Stripe is PCI Level 1 and PIPEDA compliant, meaning that they meet the highest level of security. Your card details are only submitted to Stripe and not stored on Coreo’s servers.
Can I pay with PayPal?
Not at this time. Currently we accept Visa, Mastercard, and debit/prepaid.
Can I use COREO with a rented car?
Check with your rental company, as carpooling policies vary by provider.
How can I be a great COREO passenger?
Carpooling is about respect and common sense. Here’s how to be a great passenger:
- Be punctual and avoid last-minute cancellations.
- Communicate through the app if you’re running late.
- Ask before eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio or controls.
- Don’t smoke.
- Be mindful of others’ preferences for conversation or quiet.
- Avoid using your phone excessively during the ride, as it can distract the driver.
Can I carpool with a pet?
At this time, pets are not allowed in the vehicle during a Coreo carpool. Please contact Coreo customer care to discuss your requirement to have a pet with you for commuting and we will see how we can accommodate further.
What should I do if I can’t find my driver?
For trips from home to work or school, the driver will pick you up at your home location very much like a taxi service. When a driver starts his/her trip, you will be automatically notified that they are on their way so you can be ready for pick-up. If you have not received a message that the drive is on the way, then you can contact the driver through the app to confirm. If a driver cancels within 30 minutes of a carpool ride then Coreo will look to match you with another carpool in your area, but we cannot guarantee a match.
For trips from work to home, the driver sets the pick-up point where you will both meet and that is indicated within the app trip details. Meeting point examples include the lobby of the driver’s office building or by the front door of a parkade or coffee shop. After confirming each other at the pick-up point, the trip begins by walking to the driver’s parked car for departure home. If a driver cancels 30 minutes or more before a departure time then the Coreo app will automatically search for a new match for the passenger, but we cannot guarantee a match.
Will I get stopped by authorities for using the COREO app while driving?
If your phone is mounted, you’re generally allowed to use it for calls or GPS, but check local laws. The app requires minimal input once the trip starts, so be sure to set everything up before driving.
What if there’s more than one passenger?
If you’re travelling with multiple passengers, you can specify the number of seats when requesting a ride. The total charge won’t increase, as drivers can only receive a maximum contribution per trip.
Can I bring luggage?
If you need to bring luggage on your commute, check with the driver ahead of time to make sure it’s okay.
What if I’m involved in an accident while carpooling?
In the event of an accident, follow standard procedures: contact emergency services, gather witness statements, and work with your insurance company.
What if I don’t like the person I’m travelling with? Can I get a refund?
We promote good etiquette for all Coreo users. If you experience an issue, contact customer service so we can understand the situation and assist where possible.
What if I need to change my destination after being picked up?
Once a trip starts, the destination and cost can’t be changed in the Coreo app. If a change is needed, both the driver and passenger must agree on the new destination and any additional costs. Since our core customers are daily commuters, the chances of changing a destination mid-trip are extremely low.
What if there are road closures or diversions that change the distances and fees? Will I have to pay more?
What if there are road closures or diversions that change the distances and fees? Will I have to pay more?