• Pierce Transit also operates a vanpool program: 1-800-562-8109 www.piercetransit.org
• Metro's vanpool program serves King County: 206-625-4500 or 1-800-427-8249 or vanpool.information@metrokc.gov

You can sign up for a vanpool operated by Intercity Transit, Pierce Transit or Metro as long as you either live or work in the county of the transit system.

Most Commonly Asked Vanpool Questions

What commitment must employees make to a vanpool?
In general, vanpoolers make only a month-by-month commitment to be part of a vanpool.  Each rider is asked to give 15 days notice to their driver if they decide to leave the group.  This notice allows the vanpool group time to recruit a new rider and keep fares stable.

Do vanpools pick up riders at their front door?
Most vanpols have one or two pickup points.  Park and Ride lots are often convenient meeting points for vanpools.

What happens to the vanpool when the driver is sick, on vacation, or the van breaks down?
Each vanpool should have at least two approved backup drivers who can take over in these circumstances.  If the van breaks down, a spare van is available while your van is being repaired.

What happens when a rider is sick or on vacation?
Monthly fares reserve a vanpooler's seat whether they ride or not.  Refunds are not given for missed days.  Vanpoolers can, however, arrange to sublet their seat to a rider on their vanpool's waiting list while they are on vacation.

How much do riders pay?
Vanpool fares are paid on a monthly basis to reserve your seat in the van.  Fares are usually based on the number of vanpool riders, the size of the vehicle, and the daily round-trip mileage.

What exactly do the rider fares pay for?
Fares pay for insurance, maintenance, gas, vehicle depreciation, and the transit agency's administrative costs.

What are the driver's responsibilities?
A driver's basic responsibilities include picking up and delivering passengers, driving in a safe manner, and arranging for van maintenance, cleaning, fueling, and fare collection (if there is not a designated bookkeeper).  In exchange, primary drivers can use the van for personal reasons at no cost.

Are there special criteria for driver selection?
Yes.  Most vanpool programs have a minimum standards for drivers, and drivers must have a valid Washington driver's license, and a safe driving record.  In addition, drivers must attend a vanpool driver orientation course before being allowed to drive the vanpool vehicle.

Is smoking allowed in the vanpool?
Smoking is not permitted in the van.