Consider A Vanpool

What is Vanpooling?

If you commute several miles a day, consider a vanpool. A vanpool is a new transportation service for people who make the same trip most days. VPSI, the local vanpool company, provides a passenger van for a group of at least 5 and up to 15 people who agree to commute together. Vanpoolers pay by the month. Read on for more information, or call VPSI directly at 1-800-VAN-RIDE (800-826-7433) and ask for Jesse Kafka.

Why do people join a vanpool?

Commuting by vanpool costs most people only about 10%- 20% of the cost of driving alone! It can also be less hassle to use a vehicle provided and cared for by someone else. Many enjoy the comfort of the van or sharing their trip with others. Plus, with one person driving 4 to 14 others, passengers have the luxury to work, chat, read, knit, or do something else during the trip-even sleep.

How does it work?

A minimum of five people who travel the same general route most days agree to share a van, which is provide and cared for by VPSI. Someone agrees to be the main driver, and others may be back-up drivers. The group splits the cost monthly, and may choose to let the driver ride for free.

A group of riders may organize themselves into a vanpool and contact VPSI to set up a contract, or any individual can let VPSI know you're interested, and they will match you with a vanpool if/when they can. Call 1-800-VAN-RIDE (800-826-7433) and ask for Jesse Kafka

What if I need to leave during the day, or have to leave early or late?

Using the van pool for extra trips
In addition to the commute, vanpool vans are able to be employed for limited personal use by approved drivers.

Ithaca Carshare might work for you
If there's an Ithaca Carshare car near your workplace, joining might give you just the extra transportation you may need during the day. To check out their car locations, membership levels and more, visit the Ithaca Carshare website.

Guaranteed rides or other support from your employer
A guaranteed ride program provides transportation for people use a vanpool, (or some other'alternative' transportation) and who then have an unexpected need for a ride, such as going home early or late, or having to go to their child's school. Establishing a Guaranteed Ride program that anyone can use is a priority for Tompkins County in 2010.

Some employers offer a guaranteed ride program, such as Cornell's Emergency Ride Home program (described in their pdf brochure). Ask your employer, or suggest they visit our For Employers page or contact Way2Go to learn more on how to support efficient, less-expensive and "greener" commuting among employees.

Other back-up options
Other options for extra trips during worktime or for leaving early or late include the bus, an agreement with a friend or co-worker, or using some of the money you're saving by vanpooling for a taxi if needed.

How much does it cost ?

The cost of vanpooling to and from work can mean saving 80-90% of the cost of driving alone. Vanpool users pay by the month, and the cost varies depending on the size of the vanpool and other factors. Given a TCAT-sponsored subsidy for around half the cost of a vanpool, the costs tends to run about 5 to 10 cents per mile, or between $100 and $140 per person per month. This does not include any support from employers, such as the sponsorships available to Cornell and Ithaca College employees.

Vanpool costs can be paid for with pre-tax dollars if set aside by an employer for the employee. You'll need to ask for a Mass Transit voucher from your employer and give it to the driver, or contact/have your employer contact Way2Go with questions.

How do I find out more, or sign up?

For more specific information on how much a vanpool will cost in your situation, or to sign up, contact Jesse Kafka at VPSI, at 1-800-826-7433

Last Updated: May 22, 2012