TransLink's Vanpool pilot program for University of British Columbia (UBC) employees has nearly reached maximum capacity with a total of 48 participants, amounting to 10 vanpools. Provided in partnership with Modo Co-operative, the service presents an option to longer-distance commuters travelling at times and from areas where frequent and convenient transit options are not easily accessible.
"We are in the business of providing more transportation options," said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. "This partnership with Modo is a good example of investing in new mobility solutions to support the region's needs in our growing economy. The pilot project has the potential to grow and make an even bigger impact on reducing emissions and congestion in our region."
The benefits of Vanpool:
- One full Vanpool is equivalent to taking six cars off the road
- Close to 27,185 kg/yr reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Approx. $850 each month in cost-savings for the average Vanpool customer
- Includes a monthly Compass pass for access to transit
"For years I drove to work stressfully stuck in traffic, spending way too much on parking and gas," said Vanpool user Clay McMullen. "Vanpool is not only a convenient way to get to work, but it's also got me using transit on weekends. Vanpool is good for the environment, good for my stress levels, and good for my wallet."
The Vanpool pilot program was first introduced in June 2017. Since then, TransLink has been consulting with various employers to refine the service. The Vanpool pilot program with UBC began in February 2019 and will run for 12 months. The pilot is part of the TransLink Tomorrow program, our commitment to continuously explore and test innovative ways to improve mobility in Metro Vancouver.
"We believe a shift to sustainable transportation is more urgent than ever to help tackle the growing costs of car ownership, congestion and demand for parking," said Patrick Nangle, CEO of Modo. "As a community co-op with decades of carshare experience, Modo is well-positioned to support TransLink's efforts to get more people into fewer cars. This solution brings together the technical innovations of carsharing with the social and environmental benefits of carpooling, in a way that's affordable and convenient for users."
Funding for the Vanpool pilot program comes from the Mayors' 10-Year Vision and Phase One and Two of the Investment Plan.
"Metro Vancouver is a diverse, rapidly-growing area that requires equally innovative ways for people to move around the region where they live, work, play and learn," said Bowinn Ma, Parliamentary Secretary for TransLink and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. "Vanpool is one more option for people to get where they need to go in a way that fits their schedule and contributes to a greener future for Metro Vancouver and British Columbia."
Quick facts:
- Vanpool participants are provided with a Modo vehicle for their daily commute
- Vanpool groups consist of three to eight participants
- Each group must have at least two registered drivers and one backup driver
- The vehicle is parked overnight near a registered driver's residence and available to Modo carshare members outside of commute times
- The pickup route is decided and agreed upon by the participating group
