Who pays for gas?
ANSWER: Most vanpool groups use a gas station fuel card (Shell, Texaco, etc.) to record all gas transactions and then divide the cost amongst the riders at the end of the month. You can also prepay for gas through the vanpool provider.
Is there a reduced price if you plan on not riding the vanpool every day? For example, if we telework two days per week?
ANSWER: No. You have to make a financial commitment for the entire month. As a result there's no discount for telework.
How are the drivers covered by insurance offered through the vanpool?
ANSWER: Having three to four drivers covered is strongly encouraged. Drivers do have to go through a screening process to make sure that they have good driving records, but there is no cost to the driver. You can actually get everyone insured and qualified to drive if that is what your vanpool group chooses.
As a driver am I allowed to use the van for personal use?
ANSWER: Yes, with limits depending on the company that you decided to contract your vanpool with. Alpha & Omega Transportation and Enterprise allow 200 miles of personal allowance mileage per month. Whereas VPSI requires that 80 percent of van use is for driving to and from work.
Where do I park the van? Should I park it at my house?
ANSWER: It is recommended that you find a mutually agreeable location and park the van there. In case of inclement weather or other emergencies, it's best to have the van in a place where more than one person can access it.
If there is a preferred parking place such as a church or other community place and the location has concerns, the vanpool company is more than happy to work with the location to ensure that they understand that they have no liability in case of theft, vandalism or any other issues.
What if I want to park in my neighborhood but my homeowners association does not allow commercial vehicles?
ANSWER: This is not a problem. The company can have decals removed to ensure it meets with the homeowners association requirements.
Why vanpool instead of commuting in my own car?
ANSWER : A vanpool can save you time, money and stress.
How much does it cost?
ANSWER: Pricing varies based on the size of the van, the round-trip distance and the type of equipment in a van. The average cost per rider is $90-$150/month.
Call 1-800-VAN-4-WORK or 1-800-VAN-RIDE for specific pricing in your area.
Many vanpoolers are eligible for an incentive (up to $130/month per rider) which provides a significant savings if you vanpool.
What does the price include?
ANSWER: The monthly payment includes a late-model vehicle, 24-hour roadside assistance and a comprehensive insurance program. The only additional expenses are fuel and parking (if applicable).
Do I have to lease or buy the vehicle?
ANSWER: No. Most vanpool groups rent their vehicle on a simple monthly basis.
How is maintenance handled?
ANSWER: Please contact provider for details.
What happens if we breakdown?
ANSWER: 24/7 breakdown assistance program guarantees your vanpool group will never be stranded in the event of a breakdown.
What happens if the van gets into an accident?
The provider's comprehensive insurance coverage includes Auto Liability, Comp/Collision, and Uninsured Motorist. If an accident occurs, the breakdown assistance program will arrive to assist you.
Where do we board the van?
ANSWER: Each day the vanpool group gathers at a predetermined meeting point central to all the riders' homes (e.g. a grocery store or church parking lot) where cars can be left for the day.
Who drives?
ANSWER: Most vans designate two to four drivers to share driving duties. All drivers must be 25 years or older, have a standard Class C driver's license, and have a reasonably clean driving record. Drivers of larger vans must also have completed a DMV Class B driver's medical exam.
What happens if I lose a rider?
ANSWER: One of the Provider's assist vanpool groups in filling empty seats. If the seats can't be filled, the group may choose to switch to a smaller van.
What happens if I vanpool to work and have to leave early or stay late?
ANSWER: The Georgia Rideshare Program offers a Guaranteed Ride Home Program that provides an affordable solution in the event of an unexpected emergency.
How long of a commitment do I have to make to a vanpool?
Vanpools are set up on a simple month-to-month basis. If you decide at any point that you would like to discontinue the vanpool, simply turn in a 30-day notice and return the van at the end of that time period.