TCAT Prepares to Launch Vanpool Service

April 30th, 2008

TCAT is preparing to launch a new service targeted to commuters who currently drive into Tompkins County in order to work:  vanpool.  A vanpool is a group of 7 to 15 commuters who commute together in a van provided by a transit agency or third party company.

Why vanpool?  Vanpooling saves money for commuters.  It's moreenvironmentally friendly, and it reduces the strain of high vehicularvolumes on roadways and parking.  It promotes a healthy local economyby getting workers to their jobs and leaving more money in theirpockets to spend on goods and services.

After hearing multiple requests for a more cost effective method of commuting into the county, TCAT realized that a new model of public transit could meet riders' needs, as well as promote more environmentally friendly commuting patterns.  TCAT has partnered with Cornell University on the vanpool initiative.  Cornell plans to offer various incentives to its employees to take a vanpool to work.

TCAT is aiming for a target price of $75-80 per month per vanpooler, although per seat prices are based on a full van.  TCAT hopes to begin enrolling participants over the summer of 2008, with vans hitting the pavement in August or September. 

The service will initially be marketed to long-distance commuters coming from outside Tompkins County who plan on commuting 5 days per week, as these commuters will save the most by joining.  The program is open to everyone, however!

If you'd like to sign up to be contacted when vanpool groups are forming, click here and add yourself to the list!  For more information, see TCAT's vanpool page, the website of VPSI, and an article in the Ithaca Journal.