Have a long commute? Vanpools save money and stress!
How does it work?
A vanpool is a group of 5 – 15 people who regularly commute together in a van leased on a month-to-month basis. Each group has one primary driver and at least one back-up driver. The primary driver is responsible for making sure the lease is paid every month, and for making sure the van receives routine maintenance. Many groups divide these responsibilities. Back-up drivers drive when the primary driver is on vacation, ill, doesn’t want to drive, etc. The driver may also use the vehicle for a small number of personal trips.
Benefits
The larger the group, the less each person pays. The group shares the cost of the lease and the fuel. Plus, all maintenance and insurance is included in the lease. Longer commutes are most conducive to vanpooling, but vanpools can be successful with commute lengths as little as 15 miles one way. And with Guaranteed Ride Home, you don’t need to worry about getting stuck at work.
In the Capital Region
CDTA partners with vRide to operate a number of vans in the Capital Region. Costs are based on monthly travel distance and van type. For example, a commute from Wilton to Albany, 45 miles one-way, would cost each member of a group of six people just under $220/month. Shared among ten people, the cost would be just under $165/month. Currently, a first-come, first-serve grant is available to pay the first $600 of the monthly lease cost for groups in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga or Schenectady Counties.
Interested?
First, check to see if one of the existing vanpools has your commute and has available seats. To start a new vanpool or inquire about joining an existing group, use our contact form. To find group members, register on iPool2 and search for matches. Checking the “interested in vanpooling” box will help us match commuters, as well. To encourage your coworkers, print this brochure, or request copies by contacting us, below.
