Frequently Asked Questions About Vanpooling

What is a vanpool?
A vanpool is a group of 7 to 15 people who commute to and from work together but do not necessarily work in the same location. One member volunteers to be the van driver.

What is a vanpool like?
Each vanpool group decides together on things such as seating arrangements and type of music. The vans used for vanpooling are specially customized for the riders' comfort and seat either 9 or 15 passengers.

• See current 9-passenger van spec sheet
• See current 14-passenger van spec sheet
• See current 15-passenger van spec sheet

Who drives the van?  
The vanpool drivers are all volunteers.  Each vanpool group has one volunteer primary driver, and one or more volunteer back-up drivers.  The primary driver is a volunteer who has agreed to take on the primary responsibility for driving the vehicle and is usually the person who signs the lease for the van. In some cases a Coordinator for the van may sign the lease and not actually drive the van.  Anyone who is interested in becoming a driver of a van, must first submit an application and have a satisfactory review of their driving history (see “What are the requirements to become a volunteer driver?” below).  In the case of a Primary Driver they also must have a credit check run if they are responsible for the monthly payment of the vanpool’s monthly invoice.  All drivers are provided with training and a review of the safety systems before they start driving.

What are the requirements to become a volunteer driver?
Download this PDF.

Will the vanpool pick me up at my house?
Vanpool groups generally have a set number of pick-up stops where riders gather to get on the van. The pick-up and drop-off locations are in conveniently located areas where the riders can meet to board the van and may even be within walking distance of your home. You will be provided the pick-up and drop-off information before you commit to join a van.

• Map of CommuteInfo Vanpools (PDF)
• Sortable Listing of CommuteInfo Vanpools (opens new window)

What does it cost to ride in a vanpool?

Vanpool costs vary based on the length of the commute, the number of people riding on the van, whether the group pays for parking as well as many other factors.  In general most of our vanpool participants pay an average of $90 to $110 per rider per month.  Remember this is an average.  Once you complete the Commuter Profile, and we can help determine whether there is a vanpool option available to you, we can put you in touch directly with that vanpool driver who can give you many more details about their group, including cost.

What is included in the cost?

Your monthly fare includes the cost to lease the vehicle, maintenance, insurance, parking, tolls and gas.  Some groups will pay these costs in one combined total and others pay the fixed vehicle costs and the variable costs (parking, tolls & gas) separately.

Can I pay the fare electronically?
Some regional employers offer payroll deduction for vanpool costs, while others offer other pre-tax programs.  Electronic payments, including credit, debit and electronic funds transfer are also available.

What if I don't ride the van everyday - can I just pay for part of the
month?
Since the costs are figured out on a per-seat basis, the cost for the month is the same whether you ride every day or not.

Benefits of Vanpooling:

• Riders get to sit back and relax
• Vanpool driver rides FREE and may use the van during off commuting times
• Vanpoolers may use the HOV Lanes, which saves a lot of time and irritation
• Saves money on car insurance premiums
• Emergency Ride Home

Want to know more about vanpool safety?

Each year, the CommuteInfo program hosts a safety training for all of the volunteer vanpool drivers.  The video trailer below includes just a few highlights from an actual training.  The total training lasted one hour.  If you prefer you can order a free copy of the entire one hour training by emailing us today.

• Download the video
• Download the  “ACT RESPONDS TO NHTSA ROLLOVER WARNING RE: 15-PASSENGER VANS” article (PDF) from the Association for Commuter Transportation

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