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Vanpool and Vanshare
Save time, save money and connect with others—all in a day's commute!
Metro Vanpool and Vanshare provide flexible, convenient and cost-effective rideshare commuter vans. One monthly fare includes your van, fuel, maintenance, tolls, insurance and more!
Vanpool
Just 5 or more commuters who share a similar route and schedule—including 2 volunteer drivers and 1 bookkeeper—are needed to form a Vanpool to and from work. Each group decides their own routes, schedules, and pickup/drop-off locations. Best for commutes where there may not be fixed route options.
Vanshare
Vanshare connects commuters who share a similar route and schedule between home, local transit hubs and work. With just 5 or more people, you can form a Vanshare and split the driving duties and costs. Vanshare is limited to a maximum of 20 round trip miles and to groups connecting to another mode of public transportation.
| Vanpool | Vanshare | |
|---|---|---|
| # of riders required | 5+ riders | 5+ riders |
| Commuter needs | Riders who want a direct route with final destination to work, school, or home. | Riders who use transit—such as the train, ferry, or bus—but need a final connection to work, school, or home. |
| Benefits | Covers the van, insurance, maintenance, tolls, fuel, an emergency ride home program, and roadside assistance. | Covers the van, insurance, maintenance, tolls, fuel, an emergency ride home program, and roadside assistance. |
| Commute type | Anywhere in King County—all participants must live or work within the county. | Shorter distances of 20 miles or less in King County to connect to transit. |
| Fare | Depends on number of commuting days, trip mileage, vehicle size and the number of people in your Vanpool. | $200/month, split among 5 or more participants. |
Find an existing group
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Find an existing group
Quick search for a group along your route with the Seatfinder tool by entering complete home and work address for the most accurate list results.
Or visit RideshareOnline.com to create and view custom trip lists, with additional search filters, personal trip calendars and available rewards.
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Coordinate your ride
Once you’ve found a matching group, confirm the seat availability, route details and any group operating guidelines. Take up to 3 free test rides to make sure it’s a good fit.
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Submit your application
Submit an application to begin riding.
Start your own group
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Find your group members
Recruit at least 4 other people to help fill your commuter van's roles. Your group will need at least 2 volunteer drivers and 1 bookkeeper.
Tips for recruiting riders Printable sign for recruiting riders
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Figure out the details
Discuss and agree on group details such as parking, route, work schedule, etc. -
Submit application(s)
Each member of your group will need to submit an individual application. Collectively, you’ll also need to fill out a group application.
Live or work in King County?
You may qualify for a $49/person monthly Metro Vanpool fare! To qualify you must live or work in King County and make $25 or less per hour.
Metro Vanpool reduced fares are available until the end of December 2024 or while funding lasts. Please note, you may be asked to provide income information more than once.
Try out Vanpool with FREE test rides
Take a test ride—or 3!—on a Metro Vanpool. Fill out the Ticket-2-Ride form to find a group and claim your free rides.
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$49 Vanpool fares
See if you qualify
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Sign up for Ticket-2-Ride
Take a test ride
FAQ
What is an emergency ride home? As a Metro Vanpool or Vanshare participant, you may be reimbursed for emergency situations when you are unable to ride home with your van. Take a cab or Uber or Lyft home, submit the completed form and your receipt and Metro will reimburse you for the ride.
Download Emergency Ride Home form
Please note, this service is meant to cover commuter van members after any other employer emergency transportation benefits have been used. For example, if your company provides you with benefits under Metro’s ORCA Business Programs, you may qualify for the Home Free Guarantee service. Check with your work administrator for more details.
Vanpool is perfect for a hybrid schedule for those who only commute occasionally. Part-time commuters pay our lowest, 3-day fare rate and combine their part-time use with other full and part-time commuters to fill the van and keep it operating throughout the week.
Volunteer drivers are the foundation of our program and each Vanpool group needs at least two. More drivers are welcome to volunteer to help share the driving responsibility. To be approved as a volunteer driver, you must comply with the following requirements:
- 5 years of good driving history
- Be 21+ years of age
- Show indication of stable employment
- Have a current and unrestricted WA driver’s license
If drivers meet the above requirements, they will be invited to complete a short online orientation.
Each Vanpool group needs a volunteer to track mileage, collect and pay fares, and fill out a simple monthly report. This is the role of the bookkeeper.
To qualify, bookkeepers must be at least 21 years old and have been employed by their current employer for at least two years (or provide other proof of stable employment).
To be approved, the bookkeeper must fill out the bookkeeper portion of the Vanpool application and take a short online orientation.
Paying your Vanpool fares is easy at myORCA.com – log in or follow the instructions to create a free account.
Click the “Pay for Vanpool” option in the lefthand menu, enter your fare amount, your transit agency (King County Metro), your Vanpool group ID, and your name (or rider’s name, if you are paying for others). Next, add any additional payment details and follow the prompts to pay via a credit or bank card.
Remember to print your receipt and share it with your bookkeeper. Your bookkeeper may also choose to pay your fare online using this same method and will update the monthly report to reflect your online payment.
Each Vanpool group receives a Voyager Fleet credit card that may be used to fuel the vehicle and wash the van twice a month. Your Voyager Fleet card is assigned to your specific van and should be used for that van only.
If your van needs fluids topped off or new windshield wipers, please have your bookkeeper reach out to your Metro Accounting Representative for reimbursement details.
Ask your bookkeeper to reach out to your Metro Accounting Representative with any questions. Your bookkeeper may call 206-625-4500 to reach your Accounting Representative.