Vanpooling Is Convenient
A vanpool is a group of three to fifteen people who regularly travel together to work, 20 miles or more, in a comfortable van. Vanpoolers can shave an average of 20 minutes off of their commute time by using the HOV lanes and lower the stress and expense of driving alone. Arrive at work relaxed and ready to tackle the challenges that really matter. Spend travel time reading, socializing, sleeping, working or planning the day.
Vanpooling Is Comfortable
Vanpool passengers ride in a reliable, climate-controlled van with power steering, automatic transmission and comfortable seating. Seating areas are equipped with reading lights, air-conditioning and computer power outlet. Choose between a seven, twelve, or fifteen passenger van.
Vanpooling Saves You Money
Skagit Transit provides the van, fuel and maintenance in exchange for a monthly fare.
The longer your commute, the more you save on your personal vehicle in gas, insurance, maintenance costs and reduced wear and tear. Your vehicle will have lower mileage resulting in additional value at sale or trade-in and decreased insurance premiums due to fewer miles traveled by your own vehicle which equals more MONEY in your pocket to spend or save.
Vanpool riders split a monthly fare, which is based on the size of the van and the miles traveled. The more riders you have in your van the less fare each commuter pays. Many employers provide incentives for vanpooling, ranging from small cash reimbursements to fully subsidized fares. There may be designated free vanpool parking or reduced rates. Check with your Human Resources Representative or Employee Transportation Coordinator at your company for a zip code list of co-workers who may live in your area, or along your route to work.
Vanpool monthly rates depend on the size of the van and distance you travel to and from work. This Vanpool Rate chart will give you an idea of what your monthly rate could be.
How Does It Work?
Riders typically meet at a designated location such as one of our many park and rides. Some vans have more than one pick-up or drop-off point. It all depends on the nature and needs of each vanpool group.
There is a Vanpool Manager/Coordinator and Bookkeeper. This can be one reliable person who primarily collects monthly fees from the passengers, completes the monthly reports and schedules the van for preventative maintenance. There should be at least three qualified drivers per van. This is so the van is available for the group's commute, whether or not the primary driver is available.
How Do I Get Started?
To join an existing vanpool, or to find others interested in forming one in your area, call us or go to RideshareOnline.com.
To start a vanpool, you need at least three adults - the more riders, the lower your fare.
Use the Vanpool Information Checklist to ensure you have completed all steps necessary to start your vanpool.
Decide on one or two pickup and drop-off points and times.
Choose a van manager, bookkeeper and set of primary drivers. There must also be at least one backup driver. The bookkeeper will need to meet with Skagit Transit for a brief bookkeeping instruction.
Vanpool drivers must be able to comply with the Driver Function List and the Driver Eligibility Criteria. Please review these carefully before attending the driving class.
Drivers must also complete a Driver Application, Driver Abstract, and Vanpool Agreement and provide a copy of their Driver's License. Upon receipt of an acceptable response from Motor Vehicle Records, each Driver will then be scheduled for a Driver Orientation. This consists of a defensive driving course and may include an on-road evaluation. Driver's must also read and sign the Fuel Card Usage form.
List of forms needed for driver orientation class
**All drivers must obtain a copy of their driver's abstract. Purchase Your Complete Driving Record Online Here**
All riders and drivers must complete a Vanpool Agreement.
Make enough copies of the Vanpool Rules and Responsibilities to ensure that each member receives a copy.
A van may be issued to the group soon after completing these steps.
If you have any questions, call 360-757-9153 or 360-708-4299 to reach the Vanpool Coordinator, or e-mail the Vanpool Coordinator at kwest@skagittransit.org
In the event of an accident:
1. Secure the van and passengers in a safe manner.
Setup emergency triangles:
100' in front of the vehicle, 10' behind vehicle, 100' behind vehicle.
2. Check for injuries and reassure passengers.
3. Call 9-1-1, if necessary, to report accident and injuries.
4. Hand out information exchange card (found in accident packet in van) to driver of other vehicle(s).
5. While driver of other vehicle(s) is/are completing exchange card, pass out courtesy cards (in accident packet) to your van passengers, and witnesses. *Ensure witnesses with the best view are the first witnesses to receive courtesy cards.
6. Trade exchange cards with driver of other vehicle(s).
7. Cooperate fully with law enforcement officials. DO NOT ADMIT BLAME. Give information concisely and accurately.
8. Complete the white Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP) Vanpool Event Report and the State of Washington Vehicle Collision Report at the scene and make notes for later.
9. Collect completed courtesy card(s) from witnesses and passengers of the van.
*Note: Passengers may also email or mail courtesy cards to Skagit Transit directly at:
SKAGIT TRANSIT
ATTN: VANPOOL COORDINATOR OR kwest@skagittransit.org
600 COUNTY SHOP LANE
BURLINGTON WA 98233
10. Notify Skagit Transit to arrange for a replacement van.
11. Call the Skagit Transit Vanpool Coordinator at 360.757.9153 or 360.708.4299 as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the accident.
*IF THE ACCIDENT INVOLVES INJURY OR DEATH THE DRIVER IS REQUIRED TO REPORT THIS TO SKAGIT TRANSIT IMMEDIATELY.
12. If the apparent property damage is $700 or more to any vehicle, notification must be made within 24-hours to:
A. Local Police, if accident occurred within a city or town; or
B. Washington State Patrol, if accident occurred on state highways or outside any city's limits.
13. Pending an investigation, drivers should refrain from discussion of the accident, either at the scene of at a later time.
Event Report (Required): Event Report
Event Map (Required): Event Report Map