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ANSWERING THE BASICS:

What is a Vanpool?
A vanpool is typically a group of 7 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. To be cost-effective, a vanpool generally should travel at least 40 miles round trip each day.

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 and the costs of operation, maintenance, insurance and depreciation. Monthly costs per rider, based on 14 passengers, are generally between $90 and $170 per month.

Some employers offer subsidies to employees who rideshare! Employers can receive a tax deduction for the first $110 they contribute each month to your vanpool fare. Check with your employer to see if they will help pay your vanpool costs. Further, employees can withhold a up to as a $110 pre-tax benefit from monthly pay toward the cost of vanpooling.

What are the vans like? Valley VanPool vans have a 7-15-passenger capacity, air-conditioning/heating, AM/FM radio/cassette, and depending on the model may have plug-ins for laptops and reading lights. Vans are usually replaced in 3-4 years depending on the route distance.

Who takes care of maintenance? The lease 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. Drivers must be at least 21 years old with a current Oregon driver's license, and have a clean driving record.

What are the driver's responsibilities and benefits? Drivers and back-up drivers sign a lease agreement. Valley VanPool arranges to provide safe, off-the-street parking or arranges a reserved space for the van during business hours. The driver must prepare and submit simple monthly reports on ridership and miles driven as well as provide contact information to connect to new riders.

Because of the responsibilities they shoulder, drivers ride FREE in vanpools and are allotted a certain mileage per month for personal use of the van.

How are fares collected? Riders pay their monthly fee to the vanpool driver, who in turn sends a check to the lease company. The driver sets policy about whether they require cash or checks for payment.

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 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.

What if I have an emergency during the day and need to go home? The vanpool leasing company may offer an Emergency Ride Home as part of the lease.  Some employers offer ERH programs. The City of Corvallis, for example, offers an emergency ride home program for employees who vanpool or carpool. You simply call a taxi; tell the appropriate person at work (so they can record and bill the ride) and the City will pay for that ride home. Cherriots Rideshare also offers an Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program which is available to any employer in Marion, Polk or Yamhill counties. If you work in this area and are not covered, talk to your employer.  You could work out an arrangement with a co-worker who drives each day.

How do we get more passengers on our van? Valley Vanpool will help you recruit passengers and you are encouraged to look for potential riders at your workplace.