New life for retired vans with Hague donations to Eastside programs

May 26, 2009

Summary

Boys and Girls clubs to benefit from legislation providing transportation options to organizations throughout King County

Story

Instead of a life of leisure, three new King County “retirees” are getting ready for a second career of transporting youth in three eastside communities. The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved the donation of retired Metro Vanpool vans to the Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island Boys and Girls Clubs.

“I was extremely pleased to secure retired vanpool vans for three Eastside Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, the sponsor of the ordinance. “These vans will provide each club with the opportunity to expand their use of community resources and learning opportunities.”

The 27 retired vans have been part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet for at least six years and have reached the end of their service life. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus and sold.

Since 1995, the County Council has been donating retired vans from Metro’s Vanpool program to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for the disabled, low-income, young adults, and senior citizens. The groups are responsible for licensing, insuring and maintaining the vehicles.

The Vanpool program provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations, and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles. Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Hague for more information on applying for a vehicle.