Are you getting tired of driving alone during your long commute? It’s time to get your out of your car and into a vanpool! Commuting Solutions, in partnership with Way to Go, Commute with Enterprise and GO Boulder/City of Boulder is excited to announce their newest program: VanCool! Register for a vanpool and receive $20 a month for the rest of the year towards the cost of your vanpool!*
The VanCool program was inspired by our mission to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality throughout the Denver Metro region.
Vanpools are the perfect solution for commuters who travel more than 15-miles one-way to work. Passengers share the ride in a vehicle – which contrary to the name, isn’t always a van – that seats 5-15 people. Participants pay a monthly fee that covers the cost of fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance.
The benefits of vanpooling are never ending. When traveling along US 36, vanpools have access to the US 36 Express Lanes for free as a High Occupancy Vehicle.** Participants in vanpools also don’t have to worry about making time to bring their vans in for maintenance: the maintenance crew will come to your workplace so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Still not sold on vanpools or have some more questions? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about vanpools.
FAQ
How much will a vanpool cost?
Every vanpool is different. The cost is determined using a formula that takes into consideration the distance of your commute, the number of participants, how many days a week your traveling, the cost of gas and more. The cost of the vanpool will cover:
- 30-day agreements
- Full administrative support by a local staff
- All maintenance and repairs covered
- 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance, including free loaner van as needed
- Guaranteed Ride Home – In an emergency you can take a free cab ride up to 100 miles one was
- $1 million insurance policy with no deductible.
- A one-time $60.00 CO State Road Fee charged on first invoice
How do I find people to vanpool with?
We will help you! Vanpools can be created a handful of different ways. Vanpools are primarily created through employer vanpool matching events. We will create a dot map of employee addresses and determine potential vanpools based on clusters. We can also use the My Way to Go network to match you with existing vanpools.
When and where will I meet up with my vanpool?
That’s up for you and your pool to decide! As a vanpool, you’ll need to establish ground rules ahead of time, such as a meeting place, departure times and how long the van will wait for a late passenger. Park-n-Rides are popular meet-up locations as well as a great place to store the van.
Do I have to drive?
Not if you don’t want to! Each vanpool must have at least two drivers listed and covered by insurance. It’s up to the vanpool to decide who the drivers will be.
What happens if I need to get home in the middle of the day or unexpectedly change my schedule?
If anything unexpected comes up, the Guaranteed Ride Home program is available to all our vanpool participants. All you’ll need to do is call their number and schedule a ride.
Can I bring a bike?
Sure, just tell your vanpool coordinators ahead of time and your vehicle can be retrofitted with a bike rack!
So sign up, help decrease traffic congestion and save a little extra money while you’re at it. Now that’s a cool idea.
Ready to get registered? Click here, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!
*This offer is valid to those who qualify as a new vanpool in the Commuting Solutions region. New vanpool must be registered by 5:00pm on September 30, 2019. Management reserves all rights. New participants who commute into/out of Boulder, Colorado will receive an additional $20 per person, per month through December 31, 2019.
**Driver must have switchable HOV pass in vehicle.
