Vanpool

Vanpools allow groups of people to share the ride similar to a carpool, but on a larger scale with concurrent savings in fuel and vehicle operating costs.  The key concept is that people share the ride from home or one or more common meeting locations and travel together to a common destination or work area. The County offers a vanpool program as an economical, convenient way to commute if you live 20 miles or more from your worksite.  Vanpools are open only to County employees and consist of 4 and up to 12 members.  Fares are based on mileage, fuel, maintenance, number of members in each van, schedule and size of van.  Like carpools, vanpools offer many advantages to both the employee and the environment. Vanpools are one of the most cost effective modes of public transportation in the United States second to transit. Similar to the pre-tax benefit currently available under U.S. Code §125 for health benefit deductions, employees who participate in the County's vanpool program may be eligible to receive a tax benefit under 26 U.S. Code §132(f) Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit allowance.

Additional benefits include:

• Speed: The van can use the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes because normally more than 2-3 people ride
• Less wear and tear on your personal vehicle
• Reduced commuting costs (Try the Vanpool Savings Calculator)
• Preferred parking
• Encouraging new friendships
• Reduced stress
• Relax during your commute
• Improve the air quality and reduce traffic congestion 

Reasons to join a Vanpool:

• Reside more than 20 miles from work
• Save money (Try the Vanpool Savings Calculator)
• Preserve your car
• Take advantage of preferred parking

Fares

Vanpool fares are evaluated each year and are based on the number of riders and the average distance the van travels each day.  Commuter Services collects fares through payroll deduction for 26 or 27 pay periods and on a pre-tax basis up to the limit established by the IRS.

Occasional riders may participate in a Vanpool by purchasing passes in advance (10 one-way fares per pass). The pass allows the passenger to ride on an occasional basis subject to seat availability. No participant is allowed to ride without a pass.

Joining a Vanpool

To join a Vanpool, complete and submit a Vanpool Application and the DMV Permission Form to Commuter Services.  Applicants must complete the application process and receive authorization from Commuter Services before riding in a vanpool van. 

Vanpool Driver Information

The Primary Driver and the Alternate Driver of a Vanpool must take a Driver's Awareness Course and either the Professional Driving or Vanpool Driving courses.  This requirement also applies to any vanpool member who drives the van at any time other than an emergency. The Vanpool Driving or the Professional Driving course must be repeated annually to renew driving privileges. 

Contact Commuter Services at commuterservices@sbcounty.gov or at (909) 387-9639 for additional information on forming or joining a vanpool.

For additional information on other tax and salary savings plans offered to County employees, contact Employee Benefits and Services at (909) 387-5787.