Vanpoolers usually meet at a central location that suits everyone. Typically vanpools cost between $90–$120/month per person plus gas, but SLOCOG can cover up to 50% of this cost for qualifying vanpools. See our Vanpool Vendors page for more information.

How does METRO STAR work?

STAR is a Cost-Effective Public Transportation Option STAR riders share the cost of the vehicle, fuel, maintenance routes and any parking and tolls. Individual cost is divided by the number of riders creating a personal “fraction” of the total cost.

What is METRO vanpool?

Metro Vanpool is a regional program, subsidized by the Metropolitan Council, to help meet the commuting needs of commuters who reside or work in the seven-county metropolitan area. Vanpools have five to 15 people sharing the ride to and from work an average of three or more days a week.

How do I start a vanpool?

To start a vanpool, you need six to 14 passengers. One person must agree to be the primary driver and at least one other rider must be a backup driver. When you’re a driver, you ride free. Once you have riders, the group will decide on pick-up and drop-off locations and times.

How do I join a vanpool?

To learn about vans on the “Seats Available” list or future vanpool opportunities, email [email protected], register with Merge or call 511 and say “Vanpool” to speak with a vanpool representative.

What is a vanpool vehicle?

A “vanpool vehicle” is any motor vehicle, other than a motortruck or truck tractor, designed for carrying more than 10 but not more than 15 persons including the driver, which is maintained and used primarily for the nonprofit work-related transportation of adults for the purposes of ridesharing.

Is LYFT considered vanpool?

A standard Uber or Lyft ride would not qualify for commuter benefits because that is not considered “vanpooling.” The only requirement for vanpooling (where the van is not provided by the employer or employee) is that the vehicle have a seating capacity of six or more adults, not including the driver.

What is the cheapest ride sharing app?

8 Ride-Sharing Apps That Are Cheaper/Nicer/Eco-Friendlier Than Uber

• Chariot.
• Carma Carpool.
• Scoop.
• Magic Bus.
• Ride.
• Hovee.
• Carzac.
• Duet.

What is the star vanpool route network?

The STAR vanpool route network is one of the METRO family of services, including local transit, express bus service, METRORail, STAR vanpools and METROLift. All STAR routes are open to the public.

How much does the star vanpool discount cost?

Depending on the size of the STAR vanpools, the monthly discount ranges from $150 to $450. Employers in the STAR service area have recognized and appreciate the value of STAR vanpool routes serving employment locations.

How do I find out about transit and vanpool benefits?

Check with your employer to see if a transit and vanpool financial benefit is provided. The STAR team also actively works with area employers to encourage an employer “copay.” STAR is among the safest options for your commute to work.

How safe is vanpooling?

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, vanpooling is the safest form of public transportation with the least amount of reported accidents. Vanpooling is even safer than most commute methods, including personal vehicle usage.