_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.

You many be asking, "Is vanpooling for me?"  If you answer “yes" to any of these questions, then vanpooling may be the commute option for you.  Just fill out our Vanpool Rideshare Application!

• 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!  Find a Park & Ride site near you!