Frequently Asked Vanpool Questions

• What is a vanpool?
  A group of 7-15 people who commute to and from work together in a van.

• Who owns the van?
  Vans are either owned or leased by individual commuters; a few are operated directly by employers.  If you do not own a van and are interested and forming a vanpool, Solano Napa Commuter Information will refer you to a number of vanpool leasing companies. Vans that are leased through our preferred vendors come with a complete service package, including registration, insurance and maintenance.
  
  
• Who does the driving?
  Typically the primary driver of the vanpool does the driving.  The primary driver may or may not drive everyday they may share the driving with back up drivers.  In some vans everyone drives.
  
  
• Is a special driver’s license required?
  No, drivers and back-up drivers of vanpools are only required to have a class C driver’s license.
  
  
• What are the driver’s basic responsibilities?
  Drivers are responsible for picking up and delivering passengers, arranging for van maintenance, fueling the van and collecting fares if there isn't a designated fare coordinator.
  
  
• What happens to the vanpool group when the driver is sick or on vacation?
  Each vanpool has a backup driver in the event that the primary driver is sick or goes on vacation.
  
  
• Does the driver have personal use of the leased van?
  The driver and back-up drivers may use the van for personal purposes. But this can depend on the program if the van is leased, limited personal mileage may be allowed.
  
  
• How much does it cost?
  Each passenger pays an average of $130-$180 per month to cover vanpool costs.  This may vary depending on the type of vehicle used.
  
  
• How are fares collected?
  To reserve a seat in a vanpool, you pay a monthly fare to the driver/coordinator each month.  In some employer-sponsored vans, payroll deductions are permitted.
  
  
• Could my fare change?
  Changes in gasoline, insurance, or maintenance costs are passed on to passengers and could cause a change in fares.  Vanpool occupancy may cause some adjustments in fare.
  
  
• What is my commitment to the van?
  In most cases, the driver(s) and riders make a month-to-month commitment. You may leave the vanpool by giving the driver/coordinator the requested amount of notice at any time (usually 30 days).
  
  
• Does the van provide door-to-door service?
  Each vanpool sets its own route and schedule. Most vans have common meeting points to reduce the overall travel time. We can assist in planning general pick-up and drop-off points.
  
  
• What happens when I’m absent from the vanpool (due to illness, being late or on vacation)?
  If you are late for your vanpool or sick, call the driver or a passenger at the first stop ahead of time. When you go on vacation, make arrangements with your vanpool driver or coordinator in advance. The fare you pay reserves your seat for the entire month. Some vanpools have waiting lists of occasional riders who could sublet your seat.
  
  
• Who recruits new passengers?
  The Commute Consultant with Solano Napa Commuter Information (SNCI) will help you keep seats filled through our free Regional RideMatch Service, employer contacts and recruitment materials. It is in everyone's best interest to help recruit new passengers to keep the van full and the fares low.
  
  
• Is smoking or eating permitted in the van?
  The vanpool participants collaborate on the rules of the vanpool. In addition to eating and smoking, other examples of vanpool activities that may be governed by policy are waiting times, perfumes and choice of radio stations.
  
  
• What if I have to work late or have an emergency?
  You can rest assured as you carpool, vanpool, bus, bike or walk to work that your employer and Solano Napa Commuter Information (SNCI) will be there for you in the event of an unexpected emergency.  Emergency Ride Home (ERH) is a free service for employers in Solano and Napa counties, providing vouchers for taxis or rental cars.  If you vanpool to another county, we can help you locate that County’s ERH program.
  
  
• How do I get started?
  Register online with the SNCI Program's Regional RideMatch Service or call 1-800-535-6883 to request a matchlist. If you are interested in joining a vanpool as a passenger, look over the list of vanpools that share your commute and contact the van's driver or coordinator to find the best arrangement. If you would like to start a vanpool, indicate your preference in the appropriate field online or contact the SNCI Commute Consultant. We're available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to help you. There are also commute incentives available to most vans. So get started today!