Vanpool

BAY AREA VANPOOL

The Trip to Work Just Got Better

What is a Vanpool?

photo of vanpool A vanpool is a group of eight employees riding together in a van on their daily commute to and from work. One member of the group volunteers to drive. The driver transports other vanpool participants to and from work and their residences or a common pickup area, such as a Park-and-Ride lot. The driver is responsible for keeping the van clean, collecting passenger fees and vehicle maintenance. A back-up driver is always available in case the regular driver goes on vacation or get sick. The van is provided by Bay Area Vanpool. Each passenger pays a low monthly fare, which covers the cost of maintenance and insurance. The gas cost is shared by the vanpoolers.

It's Safe, Convenient and Comfortable

People who vanpool to work arrive more relaxed and are less stressed than their co-workers who drive alone. When not behind the wheel, you can use this time to read, sleep, or catch up on paperwork. The vans are equipped with air-conditioning, individual reading lights, plenty of leg room and other features that make your ride more comfortable. Plus, vanpools are organized according to where you live and work, so you'll be riding with friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Saves You Money

Thanks to government funding, the vanpool costs, which are shared by the passengers, are inexpensive. You'll also save the wear and tear on the personal vehicle you don't use, or if you're a multi-car family, you can eliminate the need for one car.

Savings to You... and Your Employer Too!
Does your employer know that your company can subsidize your vanpool commute while reducing its taxable income? Under the Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act, effective January 1, 1993, employers can give their employees up to $100 a month tax free for vanpooling.

Reduce Traffic Congestion and Help the Environment

Vanpools help reduce the congestion on the roadways. If there are eight people in your vanpool, that's seven fewer cars on the road. You'll enjoy your commute knowing that you are improving traffic conditions.

Vanpooling contributes significantly to the preservation of our environment by helping to:

reduce toxic auto emissions
improve overall air and water quality
reduce the need for additional highways and parking lots
save wetlands and other wildlife habitats

A Word From Vanpool Participants

"Commuters will be pleasantly surprised at how well vanpooling works. Some members of our pool choose to read, others work and several converse on our commute. It is reliable, quick and efficient. All of our riders have been pleased with the savings."
Ros Owen, vanpool driver
Designer for Standard Register

"Vanpooling is the most economic and stress-free way to get to work. I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested to try vanpooling."
Ed Olmo, vanpool rider
Assistant Director of Admissions and Registration, University of South Florida

Have An Emergency? The Guaranteed Ride Home Program Takes You Home

Vanpool participants are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Program, which may provide you a taxi ride home in case of:

a family emergency
illness
unscheduled overtime

Contact Bay Area Commuter Services at 800-998-RIDE (7433) for more information about the GRH Program.

How Do I Get Started?

To join a vanpool, please complete the vanpool application. The link is listed below or call Bay Area Commuter Services at 800-998-RIDE (7433). Vanpooling is set up on a month-to-month basis, so there's no long term commitment on your part. Try it for a month and see if vanpooling is for you.

Vanpool Application

Click Here to complete the Bay Area Commuter Services online application.

For more information contact Bay Area Commuter Services at 1-800-998-RIDE (7433)
www.tampabayrideshare.org