Vanpool - FAQs

A vanpool is a group of seven to 15 people who commute to and from work together in a van.

Most vans are owned or leased by individual commuters; some are operated by employers. If you do not own a van, the 511 Rideshare will refer you to several leasing companies. Vans leased through 511 referred vendors are provided with a complete service package, including vehicle registration, insurance and maintenance.

A commuter who has committed to taking six to 14 other people to and from work each day. The driver may drive every day or share the driving with back-up drivers. In some vans, everyone drives.

No, drivers and back-up drivers of vanpools need only a regular class C automobile driver's license.

Drivers are responsible for picking up and delivering passengers, arranging for van maintenance, fueling the van and collecting fares if there isn't a designated fare coordinator.

If you are late or sick for your vanpool, call the driver (or a passenger). When on vacation, make arrangements with the driver and coordinator in advance. Standard fare usually reserves your seat for the entire month. Some vanpools have waiting lists of occasional riders who could sublet your seat.

Depending on the program, limited personal mileage may be allowed, and the driver and back-up drivers may use the van for personal purposes.

In most cases, the driver(s) and riders make a month-to-month commitment. You may leave the vanpool by giving the driver/coordinator the requested amount of notice at any time (usually 30 days).

Each vanpool sets its own route and schedule. Most vans have common meeting points to reduce travel time. 511 can assist in planning pick-up and drop-off locations.

Each vanpool has back-up drivers. They are passengers who occasionally drive the van in exchange for a reduced fare and other benefits.

511 Rideshare vanpool consultants will help you keep seats filled through our free 511 RideMatch Service, employer contacts and recruitment materials. It benefits everyone to recruit new passengers, which keep seats occupied and vanpool fares low.

Vanpool participants collaborate on rules. In addition to eating and smoking, other policies may include wait time, perfumes/colognes and radio stations.

Check if your employer or county has a Guaranteed Ride Home program. Other alternatives are taking a bus or taxi, or getting a ride from a co-worker.

Register online with the 511 RideMatch Service or call 511 and say Rideshare to request a matchlist. If you are interested in joining a vanpool as a passenger, look over the list of vanpools that share your commute and contact the van's driver or coordinator to find the best arrangement. If you would like to start a vanpool, indicate your preference in the appropriate field online or contact a 511 vanpool consultant. We're available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. to help you. There are many vanpool incentives available, so get started today!

Juanita Lesmeister
Vanpool Consultant
510-273-3642
lesmeister@rideshare.511.org

Amy Paz
Vanpool Consultant
510-273-3616
paza@rideshare.511.org