Most vans are either owned or leased by individual commuters; a few are operated directly by employers. If you do not own a van, the 511 Regional Rideshare Program will refer you to a number of vanpool leasing companies. Vans leased through our 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.
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.
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 the overall travel time. We can assist in planning general pick-up and drop-off points.
If you are late for your vanpool or sick, call the driver or a passenger at the first stop ahead of time. When you go on vacation, make arrangements with your vanpool driver or coordinator in advance. The fare you pay reserves your seat for the entire month. Some vanpools have waiting lists of occasional riders who could sublet your seat.
511 Regional Rideshare Program vanpool consultants will help you keep seats filled through our free 511 RideMatch Service, employer contacts and recruitment materials. It is in everyone's best interest to help recruit new passengers to keep the van full and the fares low.
The vanpool participants collaborate on the rules of the vanpool. In addition to eating and smoking, other examples of vanpool activities that may be governed by policy are waiting times, perfumes and choice of radio stations.
Register online with 511 Regional Rideshare Program's 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 Regional Rideshare Program vanpool consultant. We're available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. to help you. There are also commute incentives available to most vans. So get started today!
