The State of Vermont has named VPSI, Inc as the third-party vanpool provider to coordinate these services in Vermont. VPSI has over 30 years of experience in organizing vanpools and has over 5,000 vans on the road in the US. The final costs for each vanpool group will be different (depending on the vehicle chosen, number of participants, and total miles driven), but case studies suggest that 10 people going 70 miles per day could expect to pay between $90-$115 per month per person.

The requirements will be for a group of 7-15 people to get together and devise a commuter trip that works for everyone. The group will choose who is going to be the primary driver, back-up driver and the overall vanpool coordinator (many times an individual will be both a driver and coordinator). Representatives from VPSI will then meet with the group and provide answers to any questions and offer 30-day contracts for the drivers and coordinator (automatically renewed each month). The newly formed vanpool group will receive a new van within 15-30 days, and from that time forward, the participants will make monthly payments. Maintenance, insurance, and fare collection will be managed by VPSI.

These vans are available now, so don’t wait to begin forming potential vanpool groups and commuter routes. Please let us know if you are planning to participate in this program and we can begin the process now, and in a short time you may be using one of the most efficient and cheapest alternatives to taking your own car!

VTrans also partners with the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) to offer interest-free loans for van purchases. Please call 1-800-685-RIDE (7433) or contact Nancy Rice for more information.