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Raging on the road? Hop in a vanpool.

You’ve found this page for one of two reasons: One, you’re tired of your crazy commute, or two, you’re simply curious what the heck a vanpool actually is. Either way, we’re happy to help! A vanpool is when a group of 6 to 15 people rideshare to work or school via a van. And it’s definitely a viable option to reduce the stresses, both emotional and financial, of driving on your own. Plus, you get additional benefits as well.

  • Save money on gas when you share the ride
  • Reduce wear and tear on your own vehicle
  • Hop on the HOV lane to speed up your commute
  • Give the environment a break with reduced emissions

Worried about getting “stuck” at work if your vanpool is ready to leave but you aren’t? No problem. This ride sharing option is eligible for Emergency Ride Home service.

Find out if there’s a vanpool already going your way by viewing our Vanpool Listing.

Ready to get started? By answering a few simple questions about your current commute, such as your work location and hours, we will create a custom Commute Options Report just for you.

VIEW COMMUTING OPTIONS!

I am a vanpool person and I love it. I have been riding the same van for over 9 years. It’s the best way to commute in my opinion. I was putting over $50 a week in gas plus $90 a month to park and that was 9 years ago. I know parking has gone way up since then. It costs me $80 per month to ride the van. You develop such a bond with the other riders. You can sleep, discuss the latest news and sports but the best part is you don’t have to deal with driving in winter. So much less stress in an otherwise stressful world.

Kelly O.

I have found a match for commuting to Pittsburgh and the driver is very nice along with everyone else that rides down in the van. I am very happy with the service and I’m extremely grateful for finding out about it. The rate for the service is very fair as I would be paying at least twice if not more just for parking let alone the cost of gas and using my own car. I would definitely recommend others to use this service.

Ken

My typical commute was 1 ½ hours one way if I was lucky and traffic was not bad. So, I spent over 15 hours a week in a vehicle. I wanted to find other alternatives to travel to and from work. Also, winter weather conditions were a big factor in finding safe transportation. Since contacting CommuteInfo, I have joined a vanpool and it is much easier and faster. Let CommuteInfo help you by finding alternative modes of transportation.

Angela R.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VANPOOLING

What is a vanpool like?+-

Each vanpool group decides together on things such as seating arrangements and type of music. The vans used for vanpooling are specially customized for the riders’ comfort and seat 6 to 15 passengers. See current vanpool vehicle spec sheets

Who drives the van?+-

Vanpool drivers are all volunteers. At least two volunteers from each group serve as drivers, and one signs the rental agreement for the van. All drivers are provided with training and a review of the safety systems before they start driving. Anyone who is interested in becoming a van driver must first submit an application and have a satisfactory review of their driving history (see “What are the requirements to become a volunteer driver?” below). If the volunteer will serve as the official van renter, they also must have a credit check done because they will be responsible for the payment of the vanpool’s monthly invoice.

Will the vanpool pick me up at my house?+-

Vanpool groups generally have a set number of pick-up stops where riders gather to get on the van. The pick-up and drop-off locations are in conveniently located areas where the riders can meet to board the van and may even be within walking distance of your home. Some vanpools even meet at park n’ ride locations. You will be provided the pick-up and drop-off information before you commit to join a vanpool.

Map of CommuteInfo Vanpools
Sortable Listing of CommuteInfo Vanpools

Is vanpooling better for the environment?+-

A single vehicle emits around 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and 600 pounds of carbon monoxide per year. Ridesharing such as vanpooling decreases the number of vehicles on the road meaning less carbon dioxide and other gases and pollution are emitted into the air.

What does it cost to ride in a vanpool?+-

Vanpool costs vary based on the length of the commute, the number of people riding on the van, whether the group pays for parking, etc. Once you complete a Commute Options Report, we can help determine whether there is a vanpool option available to you and put you in touch directly with that vanpool driver. The driver will provide more details about their vanpool including the cost.

What is included in the cost?+-

The cost includes the monthly vanpool service contract (use of the vehicle, maintenance, insurance, and access to a replacement vehicle in case of breakdown), and an estimate for parking, tolls and gas. Some groups will pay these costs in one combined total and others pay the fixed vehicle costs and the variable costs (parking, tolls & gas) separately.

Can I pay the fare electronically?+-

Some regional employers offer payroll deduction for vanpool costs, while others offer other pre-tax programs. Electronic payments, including credit, debit and electronic funds transfer are also available.

What if I don't ride the van everyday - can I just pay for part of the month?+-

Monthly costs are determined by each group collectively. For instance, some groups may allow people to pay a partial payment if they do not ride in the vanpool every day. Determination of this is up to each individual vanpool group.

Want to know more about vanpool safety?+-

Each year, the CommuteInfo program hosts safety training for all of the volunteer vanpool drivers. The total training lasts one hour. If you prefer, you can order a free copy of the entire one-hour training by emailing us.

Can I meet the other vanpoolers first?+-

Deciding to share a ride is an important decision. If you decide to join, it could mean involvement with the vanpool for a significant amount of times each workday. At CommuteInfo, we suggest you take some time to meet your potential ridesharing buddies before making the decision to join a vanpool.

What are the requirements to become a volunteer driver?+-

  • Must be at least 25 years of age
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license from the state in which they live
  • Driver must have a minimum of five (5) years uninterrupted license driving experience
  • Must have: no more than one at‐fault accident, no outstanding warrants for unresolved driving issues, and no more than one moving violation within the past year and no more than two in the past three years
  • No DWI/DUI or related convictions in the last 5 years
  • Must not have any health‐related driving restrictions

Driver privileges are automatically denied if any of the following incidents are known to have occurred within the past five (5) years or are reported on the latest motor vehicle driving history record:

  • Excessive speed (i.e. more than 20 mph over limit)
  • Operating to endanger or reckless driving (or similar)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license
  • School bus stopping flag violation (or similar)

Driver privileges are automatically denied if any of the following incidents are known to have occurred at any time

  • Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or property damage

Employers, provide benefits for your employees and your company by offering CommuteInfo ride sharing options to your employees. Find out more.

Discover how much you can save when you use a CommuteInfo ride sharing solution. Check out our Commute Cost Calculator now.