From Montreal to New York: One Driver's Story of 200+ Carpool Trips

Marc-André Tremblay has driven the Montreal–New York City route more times than he can count. At 34, the software developer from Laval has completed over 200 carpool trips on RideCarpooling.com — earning a perfect 5.0 rating and becoming one of the platform's most-booked drivers on the cross-border corridor.

We sat down with Marc-André to hear his story, his tips for new drivers, and the unforgettable moments that keep him coming back to the road.

How It All Started

"I started carpooling out of pure necessity," Marc-André laughs. "I was driving to New York every 6 weeks for work, and the gas and tolls were killing me. A colleague mentioned RideCarpooling.com, and I figured — why not post my trip and see if anyone wants to share the cost?"

His first trip had two passengers: a McGill student heading to visit family in Brooklyn, and a retired teacher going to see a Broadway show. "We talked the whole way. By the time we hit the border, it felt like we'd known each other for years. I was hooked."

The Route: What Makes It Special

The Montreal–NYC drive covers about 600 km and takes 6–7 hours depending on border wait times. Marc-André has it down to a science: he leaves at 6 AM to beat rush hour in both cities, stops at a Tim Hortons in Plattsburgh, New York for coffee, and arrives in Manhattan by early afternoon.

200 Trips, 200 Stories

Over 200 trips, Marc-André has carried students, professionals, tourists, and everyone in between. His most memorable passenger? A 78-year-old grandmother from Trois-Rivières who was making her first-ever trip to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty.

“She cried when she saw the Manhattan skyline for the first time. I pulled over at a rest stop so she could take photos. That moment reminded me why I do this — it's not just about the money. It's about the connections.”

— Marc-André Tremblay

Tips for New Drivers

• Set clear expectations in your ride description — mention your music preferences, stop frequency, and whether you allow food in the car.
• Respond to booking requests within 2 hours. Fast responses lead to more bookings and better ratings.
• Keep your car clean and comfortable. A phone charger and a bottle of water for passengers goes a long way.
• Be punctual. Passengers plan their schedules around your departure time.
• Use the in-app messaging system for all communication — it protects both you and your passengers.

Marc-André now earns enough from carpooling to cover his car payments and insurance. "It's not a full-time income, but it's real money," he says. "And honestly, the company makes the drive so much better. I'd do it even if I wasn't getting paid."