For the VanRide program, TheRide has partnered with Commute with Enterprise to provide groups of commuters with new or near-new vehicles, insurance, and ongoing maintenance for shared trips to work. VanRide is available to groups traveling to work sites located in Washtenaw County, including those who live outside of county lines. VanRide groups commute from various cities and townships, such as those within Jackson, Genesee, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Michigan and Lucas County in Ohio.
How it Works
Those who sign up for VanRide travel to and from work in a comfortable van or SUV driven by fellow commuters who have similar schedules. Participants collectively decide who will drive, which route to take, and pick-up and drop-off locations. Riders usually meet at a pickup location like an MDOT commuter lot or a shopping center in their home communities. Participants must give 30 days’ notice if they no longer plan to ride with the group.
University of Michigan employees can review additional U-M vanpool policies and access to a list of on-campus vanpool groups seeking riders.
Joining VanRide
There are several ways to join or form a vanpool:
- Enroll online directly with Enterprise by providing details of where you start your commute, your workplace address, and your schedule to find matches for vans with available seats. To speak with an Enterprise vanpool specialist, call 947-253-3044 or send them an email.
- Find fellow commuters interested in forming a vanpool group or vanpools with available seats through CommuterConnectMI.org.
- Seek assistance in recruiting participants from your workplace and social media networks if you are forming a new VanRide group. Talk to neighbors and co-workers about who they know. Provide your proposed pick-up points, arrival and departure time, along with your phone number and email.
Costs & Fees
Like other vehicle leases, the cost for VanRide varies based on the milage of the commute. However, VanRide commuter groups (or their workplaces) split the cost. VanRide vehicles with more riders will generally have a lower cost per person than a smaller VanRide group.
Learn more about Employer-Sponsored Vanpools
