Vanpools

Vanpools are a form of shared transportation in which a small group of people travels together in a single van for commuting, typically to work or school. The vehicle is usually owned, leased, or operated by a vanpool program, an employer, or a private provider. Riders share the costs and often rotate driving duties or rely on a designated driver.

Most vanpools accommodate 7 to 15 passengers, though configurations vary. Participants meet at pickup points or park-and-ride facilities, and routes may be fixed or flexible. Ride matching and scheduling are usually handled by regional transit agencies, employers, or private operators. The program may designate a driver from among the riders or employ a dedicated driver.

Costs are shared to cover fuel, insurance, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation or lease. Some programs offer subsidies or tax incentives to reduce total cost and discourage single-occupancy trips. Insurance and liability arrangements vary by program and jurisdiction.

Vanpools can reduce commuting costs, ease parking demand, lower traffic congestion, and improve air quality by cutting single-occupancy vehicle trips. They offer predictable schedules and can provide a social or comfortable travel experience. Limitations include the need for compatible schedules among riders, availability of a van and driver, maintenance responsibilities, and insurance or liability considerations.

Vanpools have been part of commuter transportation programs since the 1970s energy crisis and have grown as part of regional transit planning, employer programs, and sustainable transportation initiatives.