Starting a New Vanpool
How do I know if there is enough interest to start a vanpool serving my area?
Just go to our on-line matching service at CommuteSmart.info for a list of people who live and work near you and have a similar schedule. (Tip: indicate carpool as well as vanpool interest for the most comprehensive list.) If there are 10 or more “matches,” you may have a good pool of people to start a vanpool. Also, you may want to ask the Human Resources Representative or Employee Transportation Coordinator at your company for a zip code list of co-workers who may live in your area, or along your route to work. In addition, vanpool leasing companies can help you find riders.
Do I need to own a van to start a vanpool?
No, in fact the vast majority (96%) of vanpool vehicles are leased through vanpool leasing companies. These companies lease commuter vanpools on a month-to-month basis, and the lease includes insurance and maintenance. They also offer information and assistance for recruiting riders and setting fares and policies.
How do I get started?
Determine a route, lease a van if you don’t already have one, set fares and policies, recruit riders and—if you’re going to also serve as driver—fulfill any legal requirements for driving a vanpool. Your vanpool leasing company is an invaluable ally in your efforts to pull together a vanpool.
If I start a vanpool, do I have to be the driver?
You don’t need to be the driver. Your duties can be limited to helping to get your vanpool going by recruiting a driver and alternates, helping to find riders, and researching vanpool leasing options. Once the van is up and running, you can simply pay your fare and be a rider, or continue some administrative duties such as collecting fares or overseeing paperwork.
Are there benefits to driving the van?
Since every vanpool sets its own rules, the benefits of driving will vary based on how you choose to organize your vanpool. In exchange for driving and handling maintenance, drivers often ride for free and have use of the van on evenings and weekends, while riders split expenses. Other vanpools split the driving duties between several people, giving each of them a discount. Or, your vanpool may prefer to run more like a “co-op” with everyone taking a turn at driving, collecting fares, handling maintenance responsibilities, etc.
How much should fares be?
Establish fares that reflect the real costs but are slightly on the high side. That way, the normal fluctuations in gas prices won’t impact fares—you’ll have a “reserve” in the bank. However, don’t set the fares too high; the affordable cost of vanpooling is one of the most appealing incentives to attract new riders.
I’m trying to start a vanpool and don’t have quite enough riders. What do I do?
You may want to consider starting your vanpool with a few empty seats if riders are willing to pay a bit more. Once it’s up and running, it’s easier to fill seats. You may also qualify for discounts, which can help take the “sting” out of the temporarily higher fare. Call 1.800.COMMUTE for details.