home | vanpool & starlight service | vanpool commuter service

Vanpool Frequently Asked Questions

How does vanpooling work?

At least six people share the ride to work while splitting the cost of a van and fuel. The more people who ride, the cheaper it is. One member of the group drives and maintains the van in return for riding free. Vanpoolers save parking and gas money while reducing the wear and tear on their own vehicles. Sharing the commute also means less commuting stress.

Can I set up a vanpool for non-work trips?

No. The VIA vanpool program is exclusively for use going to and from work.

I am interested in being in a vanpool. What is the first step?

VIA will assist you in finding other people that share your commute. The first step is to register as a VIA Vanpool candidate. Once registered, your information will be used to match with others in our database. You will be contacted when there are enough matches to possibly form a vanpool.

The best place to find other commuters that match your needs is at your work site. You may know of co-workers who might be interested or you can put us in touch with your Human Resource Department so we can work together to find other vanpool candidates.

Who provides the vans?

The vans are provided at a low cost through an agreement between VIA and its vanpool provider, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Formal monthly rental agreements will be made between Enterprise and the primary vanpool driver.

How much does it cost to be in a vanpool?

Pricing varies depending on the size of the van, the number of riders, and the commuting distance. The monthly cost per rider can range from about $50 to $150 after VIA’s subsidy of $20. (See vanpool pricing schedule .) The total cost of the van is fixed and is simply divided amongst the riders. The more riders you have, the less each rider pays. The driver rides free.

What does the price include?

The monthly payment includes the cost of a late-model van, full-service maintenance program, 24-hour roadside assistance, and insurance. The only additional expense is fuel.

What about fuel?

The cost savings from sharing the fuel of just one vehicle can be significant for vanpoolers. You’ll also have less worry about future increases in fuel costs. For example, if gasoline prices rise by $1, the members of a ten-person vanpool will feel the effect of only a ten-cent increase. Most vanpool groups use a gas station fuel card (Shell, Texaco, etc.) to record all gas transactions and then divide the cost amongst the riders at the end of the month.

Does VIA provide any incentives?

Yes! VIA provides a subsidy of $20 per rider per month that is discounted from the monthly fee. Riders must ride on average at least four times (except for vacation and sick days) per week to qualify. VIA also pays for the comprehensive insurance package.

How is the monthly fare collected?

The monthly payment is due by the 27th of the month in advance. To simplify the process, some vanpool groups open a separate vanpool checking account at a local bank. Each rider writes a check to the driver who then deposits it into the vanpool account. The driver then writes a single check to Enterprise from that account.

As an alternative, you can ask your employer if they would be willing to administer a payroll deduction from each of the riders' paychecks as a means of fare collection. This may also allow you to take advantage of the federal tax incentive available to vanpool and transit riders.

Who drives the van?

Most vanpools designate a primary driver and two backup drivers to share driving duties. All drivers will have their driving records verified. They must be at least 25 years old and have a standard Class C driver's license. When a 15-passenger van is used, the additional required training and orientation will be provided.

What are the responsibilities of the primary driver?

In exchange for riding free, the driver will maintain possession of the van and work with Enterprise to schedule van maintenance. The driver is also responsible for maintaining and submitting accurate daily log sheets. The driver will collect the fares from the riders and submit the total monthly cost to Enterprise by the 27th of the month in advance.

Can the driver use the van for personal use?

Yes. Each van has a personal mileage allowance of 200 miles per month that the driver can use for non-commute trips. That's one of the perks to being a driver!

Are there any restrictions on where the vanpool starts or stops?

The vanpool commute trip must begin or end in the VIA service area and may not operate beyond 100 miles of the City of San Antonio. In order for riders to qualify for the $20 VIA subsidy their vanpool commute must begin or end in the VIA service area.

What kind of vehicle do I get?

Passenger vans are available in models accommodating 7, 12 and 15 passengers. Other vehicles may be available by request.

How is maintenance handled?

Enterprise covers all repairs, as well as all scheduled servicing as part of the package. They will work with the driver to schedule maintenance. When the van needs servicing, Enterprise will pick it up and deliver a loaner vehicle if necessary until the original van is serviced.

What happens if we breakdown?

The Enterprise 24/7 breakdown-assistance program guarantees your vanpool group will never be stranded in the event of a breakdown. They will provide a replacement vehicle within one hour so that any inconvenience is minimized.

What happens if the van gets into an accident?

Comprehensive insurance coverage (which includes Auto Liability, Comp/Collision, and Uninsured Motorist) is included in the cost. If an accident occurs, the breakdown-assistance program will assist you.

Where do we board the van?

When the vanpool riders meet, they agree on the schedule and locations for pick-up and drop-off. The most typical arrangement is for the vanpool group to gather each day at a predetermined meeting point central to all the riders' homes (e.g. any VIA or TxDOT Park and Ride, a grocery store or church parking lot, etc…) where cars can be left for the day. Some vanpools arrange for pick-up at each rider’s home, but this approach is efficient in only a minority of cases.

Where does the van get parked at night?

Typically, the driver takes the van home at night or leaves it at the meeting point. Off-street parking must be used.

Do employers provide any financial support?

Some employers subsidize the vanpool program, but it is not required. Participation among employees is greater when employers subsidize the vanpool cost. Some employers do not provide direct financial support to vanpool programs, but they may assist in other ways such as providing preferred parking for the vanpool and payroll deduction options.

Are there any special tax incentives?

Yes! Up to $105 of the cost the employee pays for the vanpool through payroll deduction every month can be tax-free. There are similar tax breaks for employers, especially when they choose to pay for all or a part of the vanpool cost. Find out more about tax benefits.

Can I save on my personal automobile insurance?

Vanpoolers who no longer use their personal vehicle for commuting to work should check with their insurance agent to see if a reduction on their automobile insurance is available.

How many people do we need to start a vanpool?

To start a vanpool there must be at least six riders for the 7-passenger van, at least eight riders for the 12-passenger van, and at least 13 riders for the 15-passenger van.

What happens if a rider drops out of the vanpool?

The fastest and most effective way will be for vanpool members to seek out co-workers to fill empty seats. VIA may also offer some assistance. If the seats can't be filled, the group may choose to switch to a smaller van.

What happens if I vanpool to work and have to leave early or stay late?

The unexpected can and does happen, but VIA’s vanpool program has that covered. The CARE Program, a service provided by VIA and the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), offers a guaranteed taxi ride home when an emergency come up and you can’t ride the vanpool. You must register for the CARE program and pay a one-time $5 fee to be eligible. More details and registration information will be provided when joining a vanpool or by contacting AACOG at 210-227-7665 or http://www.aacog.com.

How long of a commitment do I have to make to a vanpool?

Vanpools are set up on a simple month-to-month basis. If you decide at any point that you would like to discontinue the vanpool, simply turn in a 30-day notice.

Do you have accessible vans for the program?