Home Frequently Asked Questions
Frequenlty Asked Questions on Van Pool
What is a Vanpool? A vanpool is typically a group of 4 to 15 people who share their commute. The vanpool travels from home (or a prearranged meeting place) to work, school, or other destinations. There are three types of vanpools: owner-operated, third-party leased, or company-owned.
How much does it cost? A lot less than what you would pay to drive alone! Each passenger pays a monthly fare to ride in the van. Fares are based on the number of average monthly miles per month.
What are the vans like? The vans are 4-15-passenger capacity, air-conditioning/heating, and depending on the model may have reading lights.
Who takes care of maintenance? The vanpool company provides free preventive maintenance and repair work as well as a loaner van when yours is in the shop. The driver arranges for scheduled maintenance. Who drives? The driver is a commuter like you who has committed to taking the other people to and from work each day. The driver may drive every day or share the driving with a back-up driver.
What are the driver's responsibilities and benefits? Drivers, back-up drivers, passengers sign a lease agreement. The driver must prepare and submit simple monthly reports on ridership, gas receipts, and miles driven as well as provide contact information to connect to new riders.
What about insurance? The commuter vanpool lease company pays for the van's insurance, including collision and liability, as part of the lease cost.
What is my commitment to the van? In most cases, the driver and riders make a month-to-month or annual commitment. The lease is paid in advance each month so you can't get stuck with a bill. You may leave the vanpool at any time after giving a month's notice.
Does the van provide door-to-door service? Vanpool riders and drivers may set their own policy about pick-up and drop-off locations, but because fares are calculated on miles traveled we encourage you to choose a central meeting place. Often, Park & Rides and shopping centers will allow their parking lots to be used by vanpool riders.
What happens if I am sick or go on vacation? Vanpools are allowed to determine their own rules on sick- or vacation-time. Most often, however, riders are responsible for their fares whether or not they choose to ride the van every day.
What if the driver is sick or on vacation? Each van has one or more back-up drivers in case the primary driver cannot drive the van for whatever reason.
How do we get more passengers on our van? Go RideShare will help you recruit passengers and you are encouraged to look for potential riders too.
Form or Join a Vanpool
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800-VAN-4-WORK (800-826-4967)