Owner-operated vanpools are personally-owned 7 – 15 passenger vans filled with passengers traveling to and from work together. Passengers pay the van owner for their seat on a monthly basis.
The Bay Area Vanpool Program supports owner-operated vanpools by helping drivers find passengers, recruit back-up drivers, subsidize empty seats, complete required forms, get discounted parking, get free bridge tolls, and earn rewards. If you have a van and want to start recruiting passengers, take the first steps below.
Get Started
Step 1 - Pass medical exam as required by the DMV for vanpool drivers.
The State of California requires all drivers to pass a medical examination before they can drive a vanpool. Learn More.
Step 2 – Register your vanpool in Merge.
Get your vanpool registered in Merge, and our vanpool consultants can support you in coordinating your vanpool. Register here.
Get Rewarded
Your green commute can earn you a few perks.
Owner-Operated Vanpool Seat Subsidy
Do you drive or coordinate an owner-operated vanpool that is down a rider or two? Apply for a Seat Subsidy and add your van to the "Seats Available" list to keep your vanpool rolling.
Discounted Parking Permits
The cities of Oakland and San Francisco offer discounted (or reduced-cost) parking permits for qualified vanpools.
Free Bridge Tolls
The Bay Area Vanpool Program provides free bridge tolls to 11 – 15 passenger vanpools by providing non-revenue FasTrak® toll tags.
Need assistance?
Contact a 511 vanpool consultant.
General SF Bay Area
Michelle Mah
Vanpool Consultant
510-273-3648
mahmi@Rideshare.511.org
Solano County
Elizabeth Sanchez
Vanpool Consultant
1-800-535-6883
esanchez@sta.ca.gov
