Commute Solutions and the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) announce a pilot program offering direct financial incentives to organizations assisting in the formation of vanpools.

Quick Questions… Quick Facts

• What Is a Vanpool? A vanpool is a group of 5 – 15 people commuting between home and work in a van.  One of the vanpool participants drives the van, and all participants share the monthly vanpool expenses.  There are currently two different types of vanpools in the Houston area:

• • MetroVan:  The MetroVan program covers the entire Houston-Galveston region.  They primarily offer “full-sized” 9 – 15 passenger vanpools, but also support minivan options.
  • miniPOOL:  A new program focusing on “minivan” options is now available as part of a construction mitigation pilot program.  The program offers 5 – 8 passenger minivans to commuters traveling through any of the following corridors:  [1] Katy Freeway (I-10 west of Loop 610), [2] West Loop 610 (between US 59 and I-10), and [3] US 59 south of downtown.

• What Is the Vanpool Partnership Incentive? A direct financial incentive is available to organizations assisting in the formation of vanpools.  Partners will receive a one-time payment in the following amounts for their role in starting a new vanpool:

• • 15 person MetroVan                                 $1,000
  • 9 – 14 person MetroVan                            $  750
  • 5 – 8 person MetroVan or miniPOOL            $  500

• Who Is Eligible for the Vanpool Partnership Incentive? Public and non-profit organizations are eligible, including Transportation Management Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Business Districts, Local and County Governments, Neighborhood Associations, and other similar organizations.  Individuals and for-profit companies are not eligible.
• What Other Incentives & Support Are Available? The Commute Solutions partners involved in the MetroVan and miniPOOL programs are available to answer questions and to provide employee “ridematching” services to support vanpool formation.  For more information, contact Commute Solutions at 713-627-3200 or visit the www.vanpool.org website.

PLUS…  Additional financial incentives are also available for vanpool participants:

• • One Month Free.  All new vanpool participants ride free for one month.
  • $35 / Month Fare Subsidy.  This monthly financial incentive is available for all participants in any MetroVan vanpool (available throughout the region).
  • $50 / Month Fare Subsidy.  This monthly financial incentive is only available to participants in 5 – 8 passenger miniPOOL vans, traveling through one of the three designated corridors.
  • Guaranteed Ride Home.  All vanpool participants are eligible to receive a free ride home in the case of mid-day emergency or unplanned overtime.  MetroVAN participants can receive three free rides per year; miniPOOL members receive five rides per year.

But What About… Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are We Responsible for Finding ALL Vanpool Members?  No.  For example, if Houston Metro (the regional MetroVan coordinator, part of the Commute Solutions team) has 8 people interested in forming a vanpool, and you can work to find the final people needed to get a full-sized van underway, you will receive the incentive (in the amount based on the total size of the van).
2. What If We Form a Van in Partnership with Another Organization?  Only one group can receive the subsidy (the group that registers the van on the tracking website).  However, organizations receiving the incentive are free to share any portion they like with other partners.
3. What Is the Source of These Funds?  This program is funded by the Federal CMAQ program.
4. How Long Will These Incentives Be Available?  This is a pilot program, and the incentive program will be available for vans formed and operational by April 30, 2005.  The total amount of funding available for these incentives is also limited.  Incentives will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed.  All partners registered through the tracking website will receive advanced notice when the incentive funding is nearly depleted.
5. Are There Other Opportunities for Partnerships?  Yes!  Commute Solutions is available to help leverage successful vanpool efforts into larger commuter programs for employers, property managers, and others.  For example, employers providing support for vanpools may be eligible for the national Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation.  For more information, contact Commute Solutions at 713-627-3200 or visit www.commutesolutions-hou.com for further assistance.
6. What Should We Do with the Money?  Whatever you want!!  Here are a few ideas for consideration… Use the money to fund your own organization’s commute program (and become a  Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM)… Use the money to offer financial incentives to your employees for forming vanpools… Use the money to invest in complementary transportation improvements in your area (such as bike racks, marketing materials, promotional events, etc.).