Owner-operated vanpools are personally-owned 7 – 15 passenger vans filled with passengers traveling to and from work together. Passengers pay the van owner for their seat on a monthly basis.
The Bay Area Vanpool Program supports owner-operated vanpools by helping drivers find passengers, recruit back-up drivers, subsidize empty seats, complete required forms, get discounted parking, get free bridge tolls, and earn rewards. If you have a van and want to start recruiting passengers, take the first steps below.
Get Started
Step 1 - Pass medical exam as required by the DMV for vanpool drivers.
The State of California requires all drivers to pass a medical examination before they can drive a vanpool. Learn More.
Step 2 – Register your vanpool in Merge.
Get your vanpool registered in Merge, and our vanpool consultants can support you in coordinating your vanpool. Register here.
Rewards
Discounted Parking Permits
The city of San Francisco offers discounted (or reduced-cost) parking permits for qualified vanpools.
Pre-tax Benefits
Commuters can pay their vanpool fares using pre-tax dollars. Ask your employer if this is available to you.
Need assistance?
Contact a 511 vanpool consultant.
General SF Bay Area
Michelle Mah
Vanpool Consultant
510-273-3648
mahmi@Rideshare.511.org
Solano County
Solano Mobility
1-800-535-6883