Frequently asked questions

Do you commute a long distance (at least 15 miles one way)? Are you lacking access to good public transit between home and work? Are your hours consistent—or do they have the potential to be? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for vanpooling.

A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who commute together in a van. One to two volunteer drivers usually drive and maintain the van. Riders can choose to join as a full-time member and pay a monthly fare, or ride as they wish and book rides through the MagicBus app.

With vanpooling, you can:

• Save money on gas and other commuting costs
• Ability to use pre-tax or employer subsidized transit benefits to pay for the vanpool cost
• Reduce wear and tear on your personal car
• Save time by traveling in HOV lanes
• Reduce traffic and pollution
• Qualify for special perks at work, such as preferred parking, prize drawings, subsidies and more
• Lower commuting stress
• Meet new friends

Every vanpool is driven by the commuters themselves to keep the costs low. Each vanpool has one primary driver and one alternative driver.

Primary drivers get the following perks:

• Use the vehicle after work hours and on the weekends!
• Earn a $100 gift card per month!

Alternate drivers get the following perks:

• Earn a $5 gift card for every trip you drive!

For more details, visit our Volunteer Driver Page.

Don’t see an existing vanpool that fits your schedule? You can tell us about your commute and we’ll work to find other riders going your way to establish a new vanpool.

You can do so by:

• Enter your pick up and drop off address
• In the search results page, click on the button “Suggest a new route”
• Tell us about your commute, including the times you arrive at and depart from work.
• Click “Submit”
• We’ll let you know when a matching vanpool becomes available!

Every vanpool is unique, and good etiquette is essential to keep it running smoothly and safely

Do:

• Be punctual. This will be consistently enforced so riders know what to expect.
• Drive safely at all times.
• Keep the van clean and in good condition.
• Respect any rules the vanpool has agreed upon, such as waiting time and restrictions on smoking, eating, or drinking.

Don’t:

• Be late. If you miss your vanpool, you will need to find an alternative way to get to your destination.
• Ask your vanpoolers to make extra stops along the way.
• Bring up controversial topics.
• Have lengthy cell phone conversations while you’re in the vanpool.

Learn more about vanpool health and safety ➞