Vanpool Program

Program Overview

A vanpool is a group of five or more that commute together in a shared vehicle. The SANDAG Vanpool Program offers a convenient way for groups to get to work. 

Program Benefits

  • Save money by splitting lease, gas, and parking costs.
  • Save time by accessing HOV lanes and designated parking spots.
  • Reduce road congestion and improve air quality.
  • Access free amenities throughout the region including Park & Ride lots and the Guaranteed Ride Home program.

Vehicle leases in the SANDAG Vanpool Program include maintenance every 6,000 miles and $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage. Each vanpool group receives a monthly subsidy of up to $500 per month for gas vehicles or $600 per month for electric vehicles to offset the vehicle lease costs.

How to Participate

Enroll in the Program

Join an existing vanpool or start a new one! Complete our interest form and we will connect you to a group that fits your schedule and commute or help you get started with leasing a vehicle.

A SANDAG Vanpool Program representative will contact you within three business days of submitting the form. If no existing group matches your commute, we'll keep your form active and contact you when a spot becomes available. After one year, we will contact you to confirm your continued interest.

All enrolled participants are welcome to check the Available Vanpool Seats list to find existing vans looking for additional passengers.

Coordination and Costs

The primary driver holds the lease on the vehicle. Driver(s) and passengers work together to determine fixed arrival and departure times from a centrally located meeting place. This is a voluntary ridesharing program, not a door-to-door service.

Each vanpool group coordinates among the participants to split remaining lease, gas, and parking costs. The average vanpool rider spends around $164 per month on their vehicle lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each vanpool must have at least five passengers (including the driver) to be eligible for the program. Depending on the size of the vehicle, additional passengers may be required.

Vanpools must maintain a minimum of 80% vehicle occupancy. Vehicles that fall below the minimum occupancy for three consecutive months may be required to change to a more appropriately sized vehicle or be terminated from the program.

All participants must follow and agree to all the terms as described in the SANDAG Vanpool Program Participant Agreement.

Lease a Vehicle

To start a new vanpool group, the primary driver signs a lease agreement with one of our vehicle suppliers. Lease agreements are typically month-to-month, with the primary driver as the leaseholder.

The lease includes vehicle maintenance every 6,000 miles and $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage. In the unlikely event that the van breaks down, the vanpool vendor offers free 24-hour roadside assistance that will supply a replacement van so everyone can quickly resume their commute.

Primary and Alternate Driver Responsibilities

Primary and alternate drivers must complete a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record check and DMV medical evaluation. 

Primary drivers must respond to requests for information from SANDAG and the vehicle supplier within the requested timeframe. Requests may include: 

  • Signed participant agreement
  • Monthly operating reports
  • Passenger and boarding lists
  • Vanpool operating updates
  • Available seats listing
  • Odometer readings and reports
  • Current driver and alternate driver contact information
  • Occasional surveys

Connect with Riders

SANDAG will help connect drivers with other participants to fill vanpool vehicles. 

 

Military and federal employees can save even more through the Transportation Incentive Program (TIP). The TIP is a federally subsidized benefit that currently pays SANDAG Vanpool Program participants up to $340 per month. Eligible commuters can save up to $1,500 or more annually.

Active-duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel, Department of the Navy (DON) civil servants, Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) civilian employees, and members of Reserve Components serving on active duty for more than 30 days are eligible for the TIP.

Visit the Navy Region Southwest website for more information and to apply online with your Common Access Card (CAC).

Connect with Us

To learn more about the program, contact vanpool@sandag.org or 619.699.0706. 

For more information about vehicle leases, contact the vehicle supplier directly.

Vanpool Suppliers

Commute with Enterprise

Resources

Vanpool Interest Form

Vanpool Participant Agreement

Available Vanpool Seats

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