H o w  T o  V a n p o o l

What is vanpooling, how to get on board and tips for success
Thinking of giving vanpooling a try? Smart move.
Sharing a ride can be cheaper and faster than driving alone. Plus, the time you spend on the van is now free time and who couldn't use more of that these days to catch up on some well deserved sleep?! Using your extra time to get some work done is good too, but sometimes you just need to sit back and relax.And best of all, vanpooling is easy. Who needs to make life more complicated? MetroPool will personally assist you in getting your van up and running.

Is this for real? Absolutely. MetroPool has been helping commuters for more than 15 years. It's nice to know that some things never change.

Just what is a vanpool anyway?
A vanpool is a group of 7-15 commuters just like you who want to save money, reduce stress and help preserve the environment by sharing a ride to work in a van. The van is owned or leased by a vanpooler, an employer, or contracted on a month-month basis from a third-party vanpool provider. As you can see, there are a variety of vehicle arrangements for vanpooling. These are described in greater detail in MetroPool's brochure "Vanpool Options." Vanpooling is the least expensive way of commuting when you travel long distances (at least 30 miles round-trip). Vanpooling is a relaxing, enjoyable, "environmentally friendly" way to commute! Speaking of friendly, many vanpoolers find that the companionship of fellow poolers makes commuting the nicest part of their day!

One member of the van group volunteers to drive. The driver rides free (in most cases) and has personal use of the van during the evenings and on weekends. The rest of the group pays a low monthly fare. Plus as a vanpooler, you receive personalized customer support from MetroPool.

How can I join a vanpool?
Call MetroPool's vanpooling experts at 1-800-FIND-RIDE. They will match you to an existing vanpool, if available. Or, if you have a group of people at work interested in vanpooling, MetroPool will get together with your group at your worksite to:

1. Provide information on costs
   
2. Discuss "liability free" insurance coverage
   
3. Explain a simple maintenance plan
   
4. Explain "no hassle" licensing and registration procedures
   
5. Facilitate vanpool group formation
   
6. Explain the role of the back-up driver
   
7. Discuss vanpool tips and etiquette
   
8. Facilitate choice of pick-up points and times