In this Issue
General Information - May is CommuteInfo Commute Options Awareness Month, Thank You, Share a Ride
VPSI - Referral Reward Program, How to Become a Better Vanpool Driver, Reminders
CommuteInfo – General Information
We have a new name for this e-newsletter! Because CommuteInfo is all about offering commuters choices to get to work or school … it just seems to fit!
May is CommuteInfo Commute Options Awareness Month
Visit the CommuteInfo website (www.commuteinfo.org) and check out all the activities taking place around the region during the month of May, plan to come out and participate as well; be sure to take advantage of the special Triple Play Offer of Pirates baseball at PNC Park May 15, 16 and 17th. Please read the attachment and order your tickets now. Plan to bring your family and let’s cheer the Pirates on through the season all the way to the World Series!!!!!
The month of May also provides us with an opportunity to thank you, the commuter, for your continued loyalty to the CommuteInfo program. Without your support and feedback through various surveys we couldn’t continue to provide you with a high-level of service. So if there is something you feel we could do better or just want to provide input please don’t hesitate to contact me (Meg Kessler) at 412.391.5590 (337).
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Share a Ride
Vanpool, Carpool and Bikepool Groups Looking for Riders
Most of our vanpools and carpools are full; but there are a few with empty seats so keeping up with what seats each vanpool or carpool has available is essential; this is also true for our bikepools. Please take a look at the list and if you think your group is listed with inaccurate information, or you think your group isn’t listed and should be please let me know.
Please send Meg Kessler mkessler@spcregion.org any roster changes. These changes may include: riders joining or dropping, rider contact information changes, rider name change due to marriage or divorce, rider employer change and any other changes. The CommuteInfo database is only as good as the information you provide.
If you have a new rider please confirm with them that they have registered with CommuteInfo. If they have not please provide them with the following phone number or link to register: 1-888-819-6110 or www.commuteinfo.org.
Or if you are a bikepooler and are looking for a bike buddy please contact Meg Kessler, Ridesharing Coordinator at 412.391.5590 (337).
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VPSI Introduces Referral Reward Program (VPSI Commuter Chronicle Spring 2009)
How does the Referral Reward Program work? When it comes to promoting the benefits of vanpooling, nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising. As a vanpool participant, people respect your opinion. Those casual conversations with friends, coworkers and neighbors can have a tremendous impact on our environment and your finances. That's what VPSI’s Referral Rewards Program is all about. This program provides a way for you to refer vanpools to VPSI and receive credit for doing so. When your referral leads to a new vanpool group, you will receive $100. And when the new vanpool group remains in service for three months, we'll send the new vanpool group $100 to show our appreciation as well!
What’s in it for you? You can help a friend make their commute to work easier and less costly by sharing your vanpooling experiences with them. When your referral leads to a new vanpool placement, you will personally receive $100 when the new vanpool group starts. Another $100 will be provided to the new vanpool coordinator after the group has been in service for three months. Simply contact our office and give us some basic information regarding the potential new group. We will contact and work with them to ensure a quick start for their vanpool. When the new vanpool group is placed into service, you will receive your $100.
What’s in it for friends, coworkers and neighbors? This referral gives your friends and neighbors a way to feel confident in their decision to use our services. So next time you are talking over the back fence to a neighbor, or to a coworker at lunch, and they ask about vanpooling…tell them about VPSI's vanpool program. It’s a reliable, safe, environmentally friendly and inexpensive alternative to driving alone. If they successfully form a new group there’s $100 in it for them!
Summary of the official rules: The $100 payments will be made to those making referrals that lead to the formation and continuation of a new vanpool group for a minimum of three months. Only one referral per new vanpool group will be accepted. Not everyone is eligible (for example: Transportation Management Associations, rideshare organizations, VPSI employees, etc.). Please contact your local VPSI office for details. Simply fill out and return a Referral Reward Request Form to your local VPSI Office to claim your reward. For complete rules, or to download the request form, click on the VPSI Referral Reward Program button on the home page of www.VANRIDE.com.
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How to Become a Better Driver (Vanpool, Carpool or Individual) by Andy Bawden
Editor’s Note: The following information was extracted from the VPSI newsletter and was originally written for vanpoolers, but the tips apply to drivers of carpools and/or personal vehicles as well.
What makes a good driver? Is it a driver who has had a clean driving record or hasn’t had any accidents?
Maybe it’s someone with many years and miles of experience? These can be good predictors, but ultimately, a good driver is someone who doesn’t stand out to law enforcement, insurance administrators or other motorists.
A good driver uses sound judgment and performs well in any situation. The following tips will help you become a better driver:
- Be well rested and ready to drive
- Drive a safe van that conforms to the law and VPSI policies. Perform scheduled maintenance on a timely basis, checking tires, fluids and the vehicle frequently
- Buckle up; check mirrors, instruments and other settings before starting the engine
- Be sure the riders are buckled in before shifting into gear
- Be always aware of what other vehicles are doing and anticipate that other drivers’ may not do what you expect
- Be always conscience of your riders, other drivers and pedestrians’ safety
- Demonstrate your good driving skills by executing your plans to back-up, pull forward, stop, start, signal and turn
- Vary your following distances and move your eyes from the road to the mirrors and back. Don’t develop habits like tailgating or staring and glaring at one spot
- Display good skills and judgment by following posted limits and making limited lane changes
- Show courteousness and caution by allowing smaller or faster vehicles the right of way
- Slow down and stop short of signs and lights to allow other vehicles and people a clear unobstructed intersection
- Know what to do in the event of a breakdown or accident and have current paperwork available in the van at all times
Andy Bawden is the Loss Prevention and Vanpool Safety Manager at VPSI. He conducts driver safety meetings throughout the country for VPSI customers.
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Vanpool Program Participants - when a backup van is used for any reason, please be courteous enough to return it with at least ¼ tank of fuel. If vans are returned without this minimum amount VPSI will impose a surcharge of $30. This surcharge became effective in January 2009.This is similar to what is imposed by the national car rental companies. Paul Fancsali of VPSI will also return vans with at least ¼ tank of fuel.
Also – please check your vehicle’s tire pressure because the change in the ambient temperature has an impact on the wear of your vehicle’s tires. If you have question regarding what is the proper pressure for winter driving please contact Paul Fancsali at 412.882.6580.
Daily Data Collection – All vanpool drivers are asked to complete the online driver report on a daily basis. For those drivers unable to report using the online system, Paul Fancsali of VPSI, will contact you, gather the required information and then submit the data on the drivers’ behalf. If you have questions about this please contact Paul Fancsali at 412.882.6580.
Transit Vouchers/Commuter Bucks – Please remember to include your van number, your name as well as the primary driver’s name when you are submitting these for payment. If this information is not complete there is the possibility of a posting delay of these credits to your invoice. If you have questions about this please contact Paul Fancsali at 412.882.6580.
And as always – if you have any questions or concerns about your commute … please contact Meg Kessler, Ridesharing Coordinator, at 412.391.5590 (337).
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