| What is a Vanpool?
A vanpool is a group of 8 to 15 people who commute together in a comfortable passenger van. We own, maintain, manage, insure and license a fleet of 8-, 12- and 15-passenger vans. These vans are assigned to commuter groups and driven by volunteers who share the commute. You must live at least 10 miles from where you work to start a vanpool.
Vanpool riders pay a low monthly fare based on the number of miles traveled and number of riders. The driver's fare is sometimes free in exchange for operating the van. Some employers even pay part of their employees' van fares!
We can help you locate commuters who want to start or join a vanpool. Complete a Ridematch Application or call us at 360-532-2770.
Is a Vanpool the right Choice for Me?
When you vanpool, you help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. And, you meet new people and make new friends in the process! Other benefits include:
More Money in Your Pocket
Vanpooling saves you money on gas, oil, insurance, parking, and wear and tear on your vehicle. That adds up to a savings of about $359 a month, or six times the average monthly vanpool fare! If your employer offers transportation subsidies, you'll save even more.
More Time in Your Day
Vanpooling can give you a chance to get a head start on your work day, catch up on some reading, or grab a few more minutes of sleep. It can help you unwind after a busy day and gets you home relaxed and refreshed.
How Does it Work?
- You need at least five commuters to start. Sometimes the primary driver does not pay a fare in exchange for driving the vanpool.
- Each vanpool must have a coordinator, at least three drivers, and a bookkeeper. We must approve and train drivers before they operate the vanpool vehicle.
- Vanpool passengers pay a low monthly fare based on mileage and number of riders in the van. Fares cover the costs of operating the van, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. (Adobe Reader 6.0 or later required to view fares. Free download available.)
- The vanpool group creates its own rules such as pick-up and drop-off locations and the commute schedule.
- You pay your fare in advance to reserve your seat, but members can ride fewer than five days a week.
How Do I Start One?
Find four other people to share the ride with you by:
- Calling us at 360-532-2770 ext 104
- Completing a Ridematch Application, or
- Going to RideshareOnline.com, or
- e-mailing us at patti_ghtransit@comcast.net.
After you have found four other riders, call us:
- Map out a route,
- Decide on pick-up and drop off points,
- Determine a schedule
- Choose someone to coordinate the vanpool
- Choose a bookkeeper to collect fares,
- Choose at least three people to drive. Driver applicants must meet specific requirements. We will screen and approve driver applications. Fill out the Vanpool Operator Application and fax (360-532-2784) or mail it to GHT Vanpool, 705 30th Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
- Sign up drivers for our Defensive Driving course,
- Drivers and riders read and sign the Vanpool Agreement then send it to GHT Vanpool, 705 30th Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
- Sign up coordinators and bookkeepers for an orientation class by e-mailing patti_ghtransit@comcast.net .
Can I Join an Existing One?
Yes! To join an existing vanpool or to find others interested in forming one:
- Complete a Ridematch Application,
- Call us at 360-532-2770, or
- Visit RideshareOnline.com
You need at least five people, including yourself, to start a vanpool. The more people, the lower your fare.
How Much Does it Cost?
Contact us via email at patti_ghtransit@comcast.net or via our phone number at 360-532-2770.
Finding Rideshare
Partners
There are a number of ways to search
for a rideshare partner:
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