How to: Find a Vanpool
There are a number of ways to find all your vanpool options:
Vanpools are a flexible commute option that run on your schedule and can be a more direct or faster option than transit depending on where you live. Let us help you find out if vanpooling is a good option for you.
1. Do a Ridematch Search
- Login to GoRedmond.com
- Click on ‘Ridematch’ and ‘Create a Trip’
- Click on ‘It’s My Commute’ and ‘At least once a week, on a schedule’
- Enter your home address, work address, schedule, and preference for carpool and vanpool partners then hit ‘Save’
- To increase the chances of finding a match in the future, you can make this search 'public' or seen just by others who work at the same location.
- Your ridematches are shown! Look at all those potential matches (and how much you’re spending to drive alone…one way!). Send a message, or 10, to those other user who match your commute and see if they’d like to share the ride.
DO A QUICK SEARCH FOR A VANPOOL SEAT
2. Ask for Help!
Call King County Metro to have them help you find your options. You can call them at 206-625-4500 or email them.
You can also request Custom Commute Plan from King County Metro where they will help you find all the potential options for your commute, including vanpooling.
GET 1 ON 1 HELP FINDING YOUR COMMUTE OPTIONS
3. Start Your Own Vanpool
No vanpool going your way? Not a problem!
All you need is 4 other people who are traveling your way. One of the most effective ways to do this is at your work-hang up posters in the lunchroom, send some emails, or ask your Employee Transportation Coordinator for help finding others who may live near you.
You can run a ridematch on your GoRedmond account and reach out to your potential carpool matches to see if they'd be interested in starting a vanpool with you.
Once you have between 5 and 15 people:
- Decide on a route, pick-up points (like Park and Rides) and schedule.
- Choose a primary driver and at least one back-up.
- Primary drivers, who meet Metro requirements, ride free and may receive 40 free personal miles each month.
- Select a bookkeeper to collect fares.
- Just complete the Metro Commuter Van Program Application & Agreement with Terms & Conditions