Vanpool
 Why put miles on your personal car, when you can put them on a STA owned van? Vanpools are groups of five or more people who share a similar commute trip from home to work, which is at least 10 miles one-way. The group decides on the meeting time, location and route it will take. The group pays a monthly fare that covers the cost of the van, gas, insurance, maintenance and even 24-hour roadside assistance.
There are more vanpools in Washington State than anywhere in the country! To find vanpool partners, you can logon to RideshareOnline.com to get a list of interested people with commutes similar to yours. For more information about Spokane Transit's Vanpool program, contact Anne Irmer at 325-6048. Thinking of giving vanpooling a try? Step 1. Finding vanpool partners
All you need is four others -- in addition to yourself -- to vanpool. Or, get as many as 14 - the more people in your pool, the lower your fare. There are lots of great ways to find vanpool partners. RideshareOnline.com is a good place to start. RideshareOnline.com is a free, confidential ridematching service that will provide you with names of people with similar destinations and schedules. Go to www.RideshareOnline.com and click on Logon, follow the instructions and you will be on your way. Once you submit your information, you will immediately get a response back with names of people who have a similar schedule to yours. Be sure to call everyone whose name you receive. Their hours may be flexible. They may be willing to meet at a convenient pick-up point. And best of all, they may know other people interested in vanpooling!
There are other easy ways to round up riders, too. You can contact co-workers and neighbors. Talk to your Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) or Human Resource Department at work. Or post a sign in your car window or on bulletin boards at work. Step 2. Pick a flexible time and place.
Once you have your vanpool together, the group decides on a route, pick-up points and schedule. Vanpooling is flexible, so consider picking up riders at health clubs or even daycare centers -- places that fit everyone's needs. After your group establishes a route, you can figure out your daily mileage which sets the fare. (Check with Spokane Transit for exact fares.) Plus, many employers subsidize vanpools. Does yours? Check with your Employee Trans. Step 3. Choose your drivers and bookkeeper.
Now you're ready to choose a primary and, at least, one back-up driver. To be a vanpool driver, you need: - To be at least 21 years old with a current Washington State drivers license.
- A good driving record for the past three years.
You'll also need a bookkeeper to collect fares. This person must have a good credit history. Anyone in the group, including the drivers, can be your bookkeeper.
The vanpool drivers may receive a reduced or free fare. For more information, contact Anne Irmer, Transportation Services Coordinator, at 509-325-6048 or airmer@spokanetransit.com. Step 4. Complete your forms and get ready to hit the road.
Just complete the driver and bookkeeper applications and rider agreements. Once your pool is approved, drivers and bookkeepers will attend an orientation class that ends with your primary driver taking the van home. It's that easy! Click here for additional vanpool information. Vanpooling to work is a smart way to share your ride and your expenses. It's also a great way to help eliminate traffic congestion, pollution and reduce your stress. |
