Missoula Ravalli Transportation Management Association

Vanpool

What is a Vanpool?

A vanpool is a prearranged group of five to fifteen people who share their commute to and from work or school. The group enjoys low fares and a comfortable commute in a 15-passenger vanpool vehicle. Each vanpool vehicle is equipped with individual reclining seats, lighting and heating/cooling units.

Is Vanpooling for Me?

If you answer “yes" to any of these questions, then vanpooling may be the commute option for you.

• Do you travel over 15 miles to work each day?
• Are you tired of fighting highway traffic?
• Is your commute taking longer and longer?
• Do you know a few other people who live and work near you and complain about commuting?
• Do you like to save money?
• Does your employer have a Commute Trip Reduction program?

How Does it Work?

To qualify as a volunteer vanpool driver, you’ll need to complete an application and authorize MRTMA to access your Motor Vehicle Report. You’ll also need to meet these few requirements:

• have a Montana State Driver’s license
• be 25+ years of age, with 5+ years of driving experience
• perform the driving functions and complete the necessary paperwork
• have a clean driving record
• no revoked or suspended licenses
• no reckless driving, hit-and-run, DUI, DWI, or a felony in the last 10 years

Driver Essential Functions

A potential volunteer vanpool driver must be able to perform the essential driving functions listed below:

• complete a short training program
• safely operate up to a 15-passenger vanpool vehicle
• understand and apply Montana State traffic regulations and agency procedures
• fuel vehicle or obtain assistance from others
• maintain cleanliness of the interior and exterior of the vehicle
• perform vehicle inspections

Final approval for a volunteer to drive a vanpool vehicle rests with Missoula Ravalli TMA.

Once you decide that you’re ready to start driving, you’ll be taken through a short training program. Afterwards, you’ll start receiving the driver benefits – drive two or more days per week and you will ride FREE for that week.

Not ready to be a driver? Be a rider!

Benefits for You

Some employers provide financial incentives ranging from a few dollars to a full fare subsidy. Some also provide preferential parking for vanpools. Check with yours to see what benefits are offered.  In addition, you’ll enjoy:

• saving money
• reduced wear and tear on your car
• reduced commuting stress
• preferential parking at your worksite
• meeting new people

Benefits to Your Community

Did you know, that by vanpooling, you’re also helping your community?
You’ll help by:

• reducing air pollution
• alleviating traffic congestion
• making Western Montana a better place to live and work

Start Today!

So, what are you waiting for? Over 150 people participate in vanpools serving the Western Montana area. A safe, comfortable, stress-free, money-saving commute could be yours, too!