Commuter Services

Outreach program of I-494 Corridor Commission

Vanpool Interior

 

Vanpooling Makes $ense

A Smarter, Better Way to Get to Work. 

 

Dramatically reduce the cost and stress of driving to work by sharing the ride in a vanpool!

Metro Vanpool is a regional program, subsidized by the Metropolitan Council, to help meet the commuting needs of commuters that reside or work in the seven-county metropolitan area.

Program Features & Benefits

  • 4 or more people riding together
  • Ideal for longer commutes
  • Ride 3 or more days per week (on average)
  • Volunteer driver keeps the van
  • 100% of the maintenance and repairs plus 24-hour roadside assistance included
  • $1 million liability insurance included on all vans
  • Multiple vehicle options to choose from including minivans and crossovers
  • No long-term commitment – 30 days notice to leave (drivers or riders)
  • Free Guaranteed Ride Home program
  • Commuter Tax Benefit

How to Qualify

Participants must live or work in one of these counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington.
Vans must carry a minimum of five people (including the driver) who share the ride at least three days a week.
Vanpool routes must not duplicate regular bus routes, light rail or Northstar Line service.  Each vanpool is subject to approval by the Metropolitan Council.

    To be eligible to lease a van, prospective drivers must:

  • be 25 years old or older
  • possess a valid driver’s license in his or her state of residence
  • have a good driving record and permit Rideshare by Enterprise to review his or her record

Vanpool Costs

Funding from the Metropolitan Council helps subsidize the overall cost of leasing a Metro Vanpool van, making it even more affordable.
Note: Metro Vanpools that operate exclusively within the seven-county metropolitan area receive a 55 percent subsidy on the van lease. Metro Vanpools that start or are traveling to locations outside the seven-county metropolitan area receive a 50 percent subsidy on the van lease.

 

Check with your employer—you could lower your costs even more. In some cases, employers also help cover vanpool expenses.
After the Metropolitan Council subsidy (and any employer contribution, if applicable) the riders split the remaining lease cost and gas.

    Costs are determined by:

  • Distance traveled
  • Size of van being leased
  • Number of passengers
  • Amount of Metropolitan Council subsidy
  • Amount of employer subsidy

 

Driver Benefits

Primary drivers ride free in exchange for driving and coordination responsibilities.
Primary drivers can use the Metro Vanpool van for some personal trips (up to 250 miles per month).
Primary drivers receive $100 after the first six months of driving and $100 annually thereafter. One back-up driver receives $50 after the first six months of driving and $50 annually thereafter.

 

Get Started!

Step 1: Find 5 or more people. Find people to start a new vanpool or find an existing vanpool to join by visiting our Commute Assistance form. 

Step 2:  Complete the Vanpool Registration form.

Step 3: Contact Kate Meredith with Commuter Services at 612.750.4494 or [email protected]

Commuter Services is here to answer your questions and help you form a vanpool.  Please call us at 952.405.9425 or email [email protected] anytime.

Watch this video to see how vanpooling works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47-G2Iz4QjA

Vanpool

Annie Christensen Vanpool – Cargill

“I have been a vanpool member for 7 years and literally don't know what I would do without it! I am a mother of two pre-school children with a 60 mile commute. Vanpooling allows me to work, sleep, relax on the days that I don't drive and has literally allowed me to keep my job in the cities and my sanity. My vanpool members are not just people I work with but literally some of my best friends. Give it a try. I often hear mothers say I just can't van pool with the kids. For me I can't do it without!”

Vanpool