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This Month

SANDAG newsletter
provides information
on key projects & services
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TransNet: The first 20 years (1988 - 2008)
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Crime down in San Diego, but robbery continues to increase rule
Western Salt Works site assessment and vision plan
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Input requested on proposed Fare Ordinance amendments rule
$400 million approved for regional goods movement improvements
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Celebrate Bike to Work Day
on May 16 rule
Dive into a vanpool
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April Board Actions
available online
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   the rEgion
 

Dive into a vanpool Regional Vanpool Program

RideLink has provided commuters with vanpool options via its Regional Vanpool Program since 1994, and more and more riders are jumping into a vanpool. Many people, frustrated with soaring gas prices, are looking for more cost-effective commute options and contacting RideLink for answers.

In April 2008, the number of commuters requesting vanpool information from RideLink rose by 25 percent over March 2008. The Regional Vanpool Program currently boasts 579 vans with more than 4,700 passengers. RideLink’s Michelle Porter indicated that interest in vanpooling is growing every month. “It is not just the vanpool inquiry calls we are receiving. People are taking action!” said Porter. For example, the California Department of Transportation office in Old Town recently submitted applications to start three new vanpools.

RideLink’s customized ride-matching service assists commuters regionwide to locate existing vanpools that will work for their schedules. Many people who live outside the region also take advantage of the vanpool program if their workplace is in San Diego County. Currently 250 vanpools destined for worksites in San Diego begin in Riverside County.

RideLink also can help commuters start their own vanpool if the existing database options do not work. The minimum number of passengers needed to form a vanpool is seven, and the monthly cost per rider decreases as the number of riders increases. Vanpools range in size from seven to 15 passengers.

SANDAG offers a $400 monthly subsidy toward each approved passenger van leased through one of the contracted vanpool vendors - VPSI or Enterprise Rideshare. Through these vendors, vanpool drivers are offered reasonable month-to-month leases on passenger vans that include maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance costs. Many vanpool riders pay less than $50 a month to ride in their vanpool.

RideLink also provides security for vanpoolers who are worried about being stuck without a car. The Guaranteed Ride Home Program provides a taxi or rental car, for a $3 co-pay, to ensure that vanpoolers are never stranded during emergencies. Commuters who carpool, bike to work, or use the Commuter Express bus service or COASTER also can take advantage of this program.

For more information dial 511 from any phone and say RideLink when prompted or e-mail vanpool@sandag.org.

Additional Links

Project Manager

Thomas Bruccoleri, Senior Regional Planner
Phone: (619) 699-7381, E-mail: tbr@sandag.org