Vanpool
Virginia Tech has relaunched its employee vanpool program in partnership with Commute with Enterprise, providing a convenient, affordable, and sustainable commuting option for employees with longer‑distance commutes.
Vanpooling allows groups of employees with similar commute patterns to share a vehicle to and from campus, reducing commuting costs, parking demand, and environmental impact.
Who should consider vanpooling?
Vanpooling is an excellent option for:
- Full‑ and part‑time Virginia Tech employees
- Employees who commute 20 miles or more to campus
- Commuters traveling from areas without convenient public transit
Employees do not need to have an existing group to get started. Commute with Enterprise can help match riders with similar commute locations and schedules. Once enough interest is identified, a vanpool can be formed and launched.
Vanpooling can offer significant savings compared to driving alone.
- Monthly vanpool costs are shared among all riders
- Costs are deducted from employee paychecks using pre‑tax dollars
- Monthly fares vary based on commute distance and number of riders
Introductory fare incentive (new vanpools)
- Newly formed vanpools may qualify for the ConnectingVA Vanpool Program incentive during their first six months of operation:
- $99 per month for the first four months
- $125 per month for months five and six
After the introductory period, riders transition to the regular vanpool fare.
Provided through Commute with Enterprise
Participants receive access to a recent‑model SUV or van with:
- Vehicle maintenance and repairs
- Insurance coverage
- Roadside assistance
Provided by Virginia Tech
- Reduced‑rate fueling at Fleet Services
- Reserved vanpool parking on campus
Vanpools typically consist of 5–15 riders, depending on vehicle size. Participants share the daily commute and may rotate driving responsibilities or ride as passengers, depending on group preference.
Vanpools operate collaboratively, with participants collectively supporting basic coordination and communication. Commute with Enterprise manages all vehicle leasing, maintenance, insurance, and roadside support.
To ensure a reliable and positive experience for all riders, participants are expected to:
- Communicate schedule changes or availability with the group
- Be courteous and respectful to fellow riders
- Provide at least 30 days’ notice if they plan to leave a vanpool
The ConnectingVA Ride Home Rewards benefit covers members who commute to work by transit, vanpool or carpool. If you face an unforeseen work or family emergency that causes you to be unable to catch your vanpool home, this free benefit will get you there or to your car at a park-and-ride lot.
Eligibility criteria can be accessed in the ConnectingVA website/app. Not a member yet? Create an account for free.
Employees interested in joining or forming a vanpool can visit https://commutewithenterprise.com/HowItWorks