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How to start a vanpool

Sustainable living  ›  Share a ride  ›  Metro VanPool  ›  How to start a vanpool

Vanpools may be started by groups of commuters or their employers. Use these simple steps to start a vanpool.

Find people who travel from near your home to your worksite or nearby worksites.

Talk with co-workers, contact your employer’s transportation coordinator or Human Resources department, and register your commute on CarpoolMatchNW.org.
Visit CarpoolMatchNW.org

Check to see if your vanpool route qualifies for a MetroVanPool incentive.

To qualify for a Metro VanPool incentive, the vanpool must:

• travel to a destination in the Portland metropolitan area*
• originate at least 10 miles from the destination or travel through a congested corridor
• use one of the Metro VanPool providers
• maintain a minimum of five participants, including the driver, three or more days a week.

*For Southwest Washington commuters, contact C-TRAN commuter vanpool program at 360-906-7510 or by e-mail at C-TRAN Van.

Research van options.

MetroVanPool has lease agreements with two area vanpool providers. Each provider offers varying lease costs based on commute distance and van size. Employers and vanpool groups should research each provider’s costs and benefits, and discuss costs with potential riders. You can select the provider option that best meets the needs of your vanpool group.

Register your vanpool with MetroVanPool.

If you have a group or even a partial group ready to vanpool, contact MetroVanPool to register your vanpool. MetroVanPool will provide a monthly incentive to qualified vanpool groups by paying the provider directly. Remaining costs are split between participants. Send e-mail to MetroVanPool at rto@oregonmetro.gov or call 503-813-7566.

Drivers may commute for free!

Do you have a good driving record? Are you willing to organize a group of co-workers and commuters? Would you go to a drivers’ training? If your answer is yes, then you could be a vanpool driver. MetroVanPool drivers often travel for free in exchange for driving and completing monthly reports.

Need assistance?

Regional Travel Options Program
503-813-7566
rto@oregonmetro.gov