Carpooling is so passé, try vanpooling, and there's a good reason to sign up this month

Phoenix, Arizona: Sure you've heard of carpooling and its benefits, now Valley Metro has decided to take it a step further with the Vanpool.

What on earth is a Vanpool?

A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who commute to work together in a Valley Metro van. Each van is required to have a primary and alternate driver. Riders share the cost of operating the van by paying a monthly fare that includes insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. Riders also split the cost of fuel. Some employers provide a vanpool subsidy to help lower the monthly cost of the fare. The vanpool group establishes their own ground rules for their vanpool: route, stops, fare collection, assigned drivers, etc.

What are the benfits of vanpooling?

Saves money on your commute costs.

Cleaner air and less traffic.

Save wear and tear on your personal car.

Reduces stress from driving during peak commute time.

Save time by driving in the HOV lane.

Save money on your personal car insurance.

Make new friends.

How much does it cost?

The average cost is $5 per person, per day. The monthly fares are based on round trip mileage and the size of the vehicle. Check with your employer about a vanpool subsidy. New vanpool groups who join uptil July 31 will receive a 50% discount off their first month lease. Fuel is not included.

For more information about vanpools and how to get one started, call the Valley Metro Vanpool Coordinator at (602) 523-6062 or email vanpool@valleymetro.org.