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1. What is a vanpool?

It is a group of seven to 15 individuals who travel to and from work in a shared passenger van, minivan or SUV. Vanpool members establish their own schedule and route.

2. How much does it cost to vanpool?

Vanpool costs vary based on the type of vehicle selected and the number of miles traveled per month. In Loudoun County, the average price paid by vanpool members is $200 per month. Vanpool expenses can be paid with transportation fringe benefits as allowed by IRC Section 132(f).

3. Who drives the vehicles?

Members of the vanpool are responsible for the driving. Each vanpool needs at least two drivers from within their group. Third-party vanpool providers pre-screen the driving records of anyone who requests to drive the vehicle and have minimum age requirements for drivers.

4. Who arranges vanpools?

Vanpools can be structured three different ways:

1. Third-party providers—Typically the third-party provider arranges for the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, emergency roadside assistance and billing. Providers take an active role in assisting commuters who are interested in forming or joining a vanpool.
   
2. Owner-operators—Individuals lease or purchase a van and operate it independently. Participants pay the owner a set monthly fee. All arrangements are coordinated by the individual owner.
   
3. Employers—Employers or a group of employers buy or lease vans for their employees’ commuting needs. Employers organize riders, insure and maintain the vehicles. The employer may charge a fee or subsidize the service. This type of arrangement would be publicized through an employer’s human resources department.
   

5. What kind of vehicles are used for vanpools?

The vehicles range from crossovers and SUVs to minivans and full-sized vans. In order to qualify as a vanpool, the vehicle must be able to accommodate from seven to 15 adults, including the driver.

6. Who provides the vehicles?

Area third-party vanpool providers include ABS Van Rentals, Green Line Commuter, Inc., Patriotic Advantures and Rideshare by Enterprise. While Loudoun County does not lease or operate vanpools, Loudoun County Commuter Services works closely with Vanpool Alliance and area vanpool providers to help facilitate vanpool formation.

7. Why would a commuter choose to vanpool rather than carpool?

Vanpool participants are able to pay for their commute using pre-tax and/or direct transportation benefits provided by their employers. Vanpools have more people to share the driving. And, those who vanpool save wear and tear on their own vehicles.

8. How do I get into a vanpool?

To join a vanpool, begin by reaching out to third-party providers to find out if a van is already traveling to your destination. Sign up for ride-matching at commuterconnections.org and check out the bulletin board on the Commuter Connections website. Inquire about vanpooling with the HR department at your workplace. And, feel free to reach out to Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services by email or by phone at 703-771-5665.

9. Where can an individual vanpool owner-operator find insurance?

The AdVantage self-insurance program is available in Virginia. The program is coordinated by the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC), Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Division of Risk Management. More information from the state of Virginia is online here.

10. What is Vanpool Alliance?

Vanpool Alliance is a public-private partnership created to enhance commuter travel options through vanpooling, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality in the region. Participating vanpools in Northern Virginia receive $300 per month in exchange for providing important, ongoing information to Vanpool Alliance.

11. Does Loudoun County offer financial assistance for vanpoolers?

Loudoun County receives Van Start and Van Save funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. This funding helps new vanpools pay for empty seats during the critical start-up period. Similarly, the Van Save program helps pay for empty seats should a vanpool’s ridership decrease.

12. Where can I find more information about vanpools in Loudoun County?

For more information, send us an email with the subject line “Vanpool.” Or, call 703-771-5665 to speak directly with Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services staff during regular business hours.