Vanpool Information

A vanpool is a group of 3 to 15 sharing the ride in a van provided by a transit agency. Transit agencies own, maintain, manage, insure and license the van. Each vanpool needs a volunteer driver, back-up driver and a bookkeeper. You don’t have to all work at the same place, but it helps to have start and end points that are near other riders.  

Get Started

You can join an existing vanpool or start a new one joining the Pierce Transit Vanpool Network. To find riders, talk to co-workers, post on your intranet, or hang a "Riders Wanted" flyer (PDF) in your workplace.

Or you can join an existing vanpool by joining the Pierce Transit Vanpool Network.

RideshareOnline.com can also help you hook up with all regional vans operating in your area based on your work schedule and location.  

Are you commuting to JBLM or Camp Murray? Then complete your personalized ridematch request form. 

Vanpool Cost

Your vanpool fare covers all operating costs, including gas, insurance, maintenance, and 24-hour support. Vanpoolers cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll-free and are not required to pay WA State Ferry vehicle fares!

Living or working in Pierce County? Take a look at Pierce Transit's Pierce Transit's Vanpool Fare Page to find your price based off your round-trip miles. 

Living or working in Thurston County? Take a look at Intercity Transit's Vanpool Fare Page to find your price based off your round-trip miles.

Some employers offer a subsidy or reimbursement for fares. Many employers who provide ORCA cards cover the entire fare. Check with your employer to find out what kinds of benefits they provide employees.

You can ride in a vanpool five days a week, or just one, as long as you have a set schedule. Want to try out vanpooling without making a full-time commitment? You can ride in a vanpool for $10-$20 a day.

Youth Ride Free: Riders 18 years of age or younger are not charged a vanpool fare. 

Save by Vanpooling

You can save some cash by riding in a vanpool. Check out this calculator to see how much. 

Need Help?

There are vanpool experts to help get you started. Check with the Pierce Transit Vanpool Staff for support and answers to your commuter questions.

Emergency Ride Home

If your employer partners with Pierce Trips and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free Uber, Lyft or taxi ride home in case of an emergency. Visit Pierce Trips’ Emergency Ride Home page for more information or contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator.