Vanpool Q&A

Will I Save Much Money in a Vanpool?

The longer your commute the more sense a vanpool makes for you. Anyone commuting more than 25 miles is a good candidate. It also helps to have a flexible work schedule and a minimum of unexpected overtime. Below are a few sample comparisons of various driving options and their associated costs.

This amount was calculated assuming an average operational cost (gas, depreciation and maintenance) with a 22 day work month. Operational cost assumed a three year old Honda Accord with average gas mileage. This amount does not include a car payment, insurance, or beautification treatments.

In 75 Words or Less, What is a Vanpool?

A Vanpool is a group of 7-15 commuters who ride to and from work together each day in a comfortable passenger van, saving time, money, and stress by sharing the ride.

Who Provides the Vehicle for Our Vanpool Group?

The vehicle is supplied by VPSi, a private for-profit company that operates over 2,000 vanpools nationwide, including more than 120 here in Atlanta. In the past other vendors have operated in the market but at this point VPSI is the primary vendor.

What are Some of the Benefits of Vanpooling?

Vanpooling reduces the wear and tear, depreciation, gasoline, and insurance expenses on your car. In fact, your monthly gasoline costs alone are about equal to the monthly fare of a vanpool. You can read, sleep, or get a head start on work during your commute in a vanpool! And you will be more productive at work, leaving behind the morning stress from the road.

Will the Vanpool Pick Me Up at My Front Door?

Not in most cases. Members of a vanpool meet in a central location (a Park and Ride lot or a church), board the van and head for work. Some vanpools will make additional stops along the route to pick up other members.

Are These Nice Vans?

The vans are in great shape.The vans are split bench and luxury conversion models featuring exclusive aftermarket conversion packages designed by VPSI - sed on years of feedback from riders and drivers.

The conversion package utilizes only automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and ISO9000 certified companies for component pieces and the production of manufactured parts. These parts and accessories are then assembled and installed by OEM ISO9000 certified assemblers under our direct supervision.

We’re proud of the fact that our conversion vehicles exceed standards set forth in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207, 208, and 302.

How much does it cost?

Metro Vanpool Cost Savings Calculator

Commuter Choice - Atlanta

How is a Vanpool Fare Calculated?

PTC is charged a set monthly fee for the van based on model level and monthly miles, then adds a gasoline allowance and local taxes.

Does the Fare Include Gas, Maintenance or Roadside Assistance?

Yes. The driver has the responsibility of scheduling maintenance, but the costs of that work is included in your fare. Metro Vanpool also has an excellent roadside assistance program, and will send a new van to your group in the event of mechanical difficulties. It also includes a monthly gasoline allowance.

f I Am the Driver, Will the Van Go On My Personal Insurance?

No. The cost of the van includes a $1 million insurance policy.

What Am I Really Committing to If I Join a Vanpool?

Metro Vanpool contracts with the driver of the van, which is a revolving 30 day agreement. This means that no one in your group, including the driver, will be locked into long-term participation, and can opt out with a 30 day notice.

Do I Have to Ride the Vanpool Everyday?

The average vanpool participant rides about 3.8 days of each week (considering vacation, sick days, meetings, etc.) However, in order to maintain a low fare and help subsidize the groups gas costs, PTC does require that vanpoolers ride at least 50% of the month in order to receive a $100 gas card.

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