Q: Why should I vanpool?

A:  You should vanpool because the benefits of vanpooling are: reduced commuting costs, less wear and tear on your vehicle, a less stressful commute, and conservation of our natural resources. It also helps with reducing local traffic congestion and air pollution.  Some employers offer subsidies to employees who rideshare.  Check with your employer to see if they will help pay your vanpool cost.   

Q: How many people does it take to form a vanpool? (This is not a joke!)

A: A vanpool is made up of no fewer commuters than one half of an available van's seating capacity plus one person who ride to work together each day.

Q: What is needed to start a vanpool?

A:  To start a vanpool you need to have at least a primary and a backup driver, enough riders to make up half seating capacity of an available van plus one person, and a planned route.

Q: What are the requirements to become a driver?

A: To become a vanpool driver  you must have at least 5 years of licensed driving experience, have an acceptable driving record, and complete a Van Driver Orientation given by Kitsap Transit

Q: What are the vanpool driver's responsibilities?

A: The responsibilities of the vanpool driver include keeping the interior and exterior of the van clean, fueling of the van, notifying the back-up driver in case of illness or vacation, and, most importantly, the safety of their passengers.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the vanpool riders?

A: The responsibilities of the vanpool riders are to be on time at agreed pick-up locations and with their monthly payments.

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  The cost of the vanpool is determined by the size of the van, (8, 11/12, or 14/15 passenger), and the number of daily round-trip miles the van travels. The cost is divided among the members of the vanpool. Vanpool Fares are paid in advance. (See Fare Schedule)

Q: What does Kitsap Transit provide (pay for)?

A: Kitsap Transit supplies the van, and pays for fuel (we supply the driver with a fuel card), maintenance, and insurance on the vehicle.

Q: Do we get to take the van home with us?

A: Yes, you can take the van home with you.  The drivers are responsible for providing safe, off-street parking for the van at their residence or at a location approved by Kitsap Transit .

Q: How are fares collected?

A: The primary contact or bookkeeper are responsible for the collection of fares each month.  They must complete and submit monthly reports on ridership and miles driven to Kitsap Transit.

Q: What happens if the van breaks down?

A: If the van breaks down the vanpool driver contacts our Maintenance department. They will arrange a trade-out as soon as possible to make sure there will be little to no commute disruption on your vanpool route.  The vans are scheduled for regular maintenance to help ensure the reliability of the van.

Q: What happens if I get sick and need to get home during the day?

A: If you need to leave work due to illness or emergency, Kitsap Transit has an excellent Guaranteed Ride Home Program for many registered vanpool participants who work inside Kitsap County.

Q: Can vanpool drivers use the van for personal use?

A: Not at this time

Q: Who do I contact to get a vanpool started, or if I have more questions?

Updated: October 16, 2007 Phone: (360) 478-5858 or 1-800-501-RIDE

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