Vanpool

Vanpooling is a great way to save money, prolong the life of your car, and enjoy a more relaxing commute. Through our VanRide program, you share a vehicle that we provide and split commuter costs with your fellow poolers. This can help you spend less on your personal vehicle, both in maintenance and fuel, as well as potentially on your insurance. Plus, you get your commute time back to spend as you like.

VanRide Logo

About VanRide

Through the VanRide program, TheRide will provide your group with a new or near-new vehicle. VanRide is available to anyone traveling to a work site located in Washtenaw County, including those who live outside of county lines.

Benefits

VanRide is a great alternative to driving alone and offers many benefits ranging from financial savings to environmental stewardship. Many vanpool riders report reduced stress and increased productivity. And who couldn't use a little more free time in their day?

Forming a Vanpool is a great way to connect with your coworkers and strengthens relationships. Our VanRide vehicles are comfortable and spacious, giving you plenty of room to enjoy your ride.

 

How it Works

Travel to and from work each day in a comfortable vehicle that seats 7-15 riders. One person volunteers to be the coordinator of the van. The coordinator is responsible for arranging billing, maintenance schedules, and driving schedules.

Vanpool members collectively decide driving, routing, and operating arrangements including pick-up and drop-off locations. Riders usually meet at a pickup location like a commuter lot or a shopping center.

Forming a Vanpool

There are a number of ways to form a vanpool. We recommend signing up for a ridematch at CommuterConnectMI.org to get a customized list of people that live and work near you. After signing up, post notices at work and talk to friends and co-workers. Your notice should include your pick-up points, start and stop time, along with your phone number and email.

You can also send us an email and we will put you in touch with a vanpool specialist. Vanpool specialists are also available through Commute with Enterprise. To speak with one of their specialists, call 248-948-8965 or send them an email for more information.

University of Michigan employees have access to a list of on-campus vanpool groups seeking riders.

Costs & Fees

In general, you can expect to spend around $115/month, but these costs do vary.

Employers can organize VanRide as an employee benefit. Employers can contribute in the following ways:

  • Choose to handle all or none of the administration or vanpool membership fees
  • Choose to share in the cost of the vans
  • Set up pre-tax benefit programs
  • Administer part or all of the program internally

Your employer may already participate in VanRide! Send us an email to see if your employer is on the list. 

Learn more about Employer-Sponsored Vanpools

Frequently Asked Questions

The monthly fee includes a vanpool vehicle, insurance, maintenance, and incident coverage. Fuel is not included in the monthly cost and is shared by the vanpool members.

The fee is applied separately per person. You can make payments directly through the Commute with Enterprise portal. Businesses can arrange to have their portion of the monthly costs invoiced directly.

Yes, provided your employer is willing to participate in the program with you. Your monthly vanpool costs may be covered under the Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit (Section 132(f) of the IRS Tax Code).

Learn more about tax benefits

Emergency Ride Home Program

VanRide passengers can receive transportation reimbursement in the event of an emergency. TheRide's Emergency Ride Home program ensures that you can easily return to your vehicle, or to any other location (home, school, daycare provider, etc.) to appropriately respond to an unexpected situation.

Learn more about Emergency Ride Home