Vanpool

Commuting by vanpool

A vanpool is a prearranged group of 5-15 people who share a ride to work. The group enjoys a low monthly fare and a comfortable commute in a van that seats 8, 12, or 15 passengers. Members—usually co-workers or people who work in the same vicinity—volunteer to drive and fuel the vans, keep them clean, and schedule maintenance and repair work. Commuting in a vanpool is a great way to reduce stress and save money. For many people, vanpooling also offers valuable personal or work time during the commute. King County Metro’s Rideshare Operations provides various services to help you start and support your commuter pool (see Metro VanPool Program).

Subsidy for King County employees

King County employees who are eligible to receive transportation benefits can apply the $45 monthly value of their free bus pass toward their fare when riding in vanpools provided by Metro Transit, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, or Island Transit.

Vanshare

Metro VanShare provides a van to groups of five or more commuters connecting them to buses, trains, or ferries. Now you can park a van at a transportation hub or terminal (rail station, park-and-ride, or ferry dock) and the van is there, ready to bridge the gap in your commute trip.

Finding partners

RideshareOnline.com is a free online self-serve ridematching service that—in a matter of minutes, day or night—helps you find others who want to vanpool and have a similar commute.

Discounted parking in Seattle

The City of Seattle offers discounted parking to registered vanpools in specially designated areas throughout the city. For more information, visit Commuter Services (external link) or call 206‑684‑0816