Vanpool
Vanpooling is a smarter, better way to get to work. It dramatically reduces the cost and stress of the daily commute.
Subsidized by the Metropolitan Council, Metro Vanpool is a regional program designed to address the commuting needs of people wo live or work in the seven-county metro area.
Program Features and Benefits
- Four or more people ride together
- Ideal for longer commutes
- Ride three or more days per week (on average)
- 100 percent of the maintenance and repairs plus 24-hour roadside assistance included
- $1 million liability insurance included on all vans
- Multiple vehicle options to choose from including crossovers and minivans
- No long-term commitment – give a 30-day notice to quit
- Primary driver benefits:
- Volunteer driver keeps the van for night and weekend personal use
- Primary drivers ride free in the vanpool in exchange for driving and coordinating responsibilities
- Primary drivers receive $100 after the first six months of driving and $100 annually thereafter
- All members of vanpool are eligible for the Free Guaranteed Ride Home program
Vanpool Details
Each vanpool must be approved by the Metropolitan Council. Participants must live or work in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington county.
Vans must carry a minimum of four people (including the volunteer driver).
Vanpool routes must not duplicate bus routes, light rail or Northstar service.
To be eligible to lease a van, prospective drivers must:
- be 25 years of age or older
- possess a valid driver’s license
- have a good driving record
Vanpool Costs
The Metropolitan Council subsidizes 55 percent of each vanpool. Employers can subsidize vanpool costs and allow participants to pay pre-tax as well.
Vanpool costs are determined by:
- Distance traveled
- Size of the van (crossover, minivan, or 15 passenger van)
- Number of passengers (the more passengers the cheaper the cost per person)
- Amount of employer subsidy
Get Started
Step 1: Find three or more people who want to ride with you or let us help you find others that have a similar commute. Simply request a ride match on our Free Resources form.
Step 2: Complete the vanpool registration form.
Step 3: Contact Kate Meredith with Commuter Services at 612.750.4494 or kate@494corridor.org
Commuter Services can answer your questions and help you form a vanpool. Please call us at 952.405.9425, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
I have been a vanpool member for 7 years and literally don’t know what I would do without it! I am a mother of two pre-school children with a 60 mile commute. Vanpooling allows me to work, sleep, relax on the days that I don’t drive and has literally allowed me to keep my job in the cities and my sanity. My vanpool members are not just people I work with but literally some of my best friends. Give it a try. I often hear mothers say I just can’t vanpool with the kids. For me I can’t do it without!
— Annie C.
