The Vanpool Quick Start Program is a pilot program focused on relieving traffic congestion throughout Santa Barbara county. Following are important guidelines and specifications of the program.

1. A qualified Vanpool is a vanpool arranged through a vanpool company (VPSI or Enterprise Vanpool).  Each new vanpool will be eligible to receive a 50% subsidy for the first month and a 25% subsidy for the second month*
*The 50%/25% subsidy will be calculated after subtracting all other vanpool subsidies (such as the San Marcos Pass vanpool subsidy) from the monthly rental fee, and does not include monthly gas prices.

2. Vanpool Riders need to be employed within Santa Barbara County.  Commuter traveling into Santa Barbara to work from neighboring counties are eligible for the subsidy.

3. Extra Rebate!  As an added incentive to form a vanpool, each new rider (defined as a commuter who has not ridden in a vanpool in the last 6 months) is eligible to receive a $100 New Rider Rebate from Traffic Solutions (click here for more information).

4. A Vanpool Vehicle is any motor vehicle, other than a motor truck or truck tractor, designed for carrying 11 to 15 persons including the driver, which is maintained and used primarily for the nonprofit work-related transportation of adults for the purposes of ridesharing. The vanpool must adhere to the guidelines stated in the California Vehicle Code (CVC) regarding vanpool vehicles. Although a Vanpool Vehicle as defined by the CVC is designed to carry 11 to 15 passengers, many vanpools use smaller vehicles, such as 8 to 10 passenger vans.  These smaller vans are not subject to the same vanpool guidelines as the 11-15 passenger "Vanpool Vehicles."  The vanpool companies are very familiar with these regulations and will work with you to ensure they are met.

5. Vanpool Drivers may operate with class C licenses but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to operate a vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTION
ANSWER

What happens if the rider is sick or on vacation?

The monthly fare reserves your seat whether you ride or not. Refunds are not given for missed days.

Could my fare change?

Yes, increased cost of gas, insurance or the need to replace the van could all result in a change of fares

Does the van provide door to door service?

The route and schedule are determined by the group. Most vanpools have a central meeting place, such as a Park & Ride lot. 

What are the drivers' basic responsibilities?

Drivers are responsible for picking up and delivering passengers, arranging for van maintenance, fueling, and fare collection.

Are special driver's licenses required?

No. Drivers and backup drivers must have a physical exam and must carry a sworn statement certifying that they have not been convicted of drunk driving, reckless driving or a hit and run offense in the past five years.

 last updated 7/9/04