Vanpooling is more efficient and economical than commuting by yourself.

Participants in a vanpool, pay a monthly fee to cover the costs of operating an 8 passenger van and share rides with others living and working in similar areas.

BC Transit currently provides administrative funding and support for the Jack Bell Foundation's vanpools outside the Vancouver area, primarily in the area surrounding greater Victoria. There are about 35 vanpools operating.

Persons interested in joining a vanpool should contact the Jack Bell Foundation at 1-800-380-RIDE or www.ride-share.com

Recently, BC Transit commissioned a study to guide our development of vanpools and to assist us in more fully supporting the program on Vancouver Island and to extending the program to other communities. The background report, prepared by Urban Systems, is available here [144k PDF]

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Under this program, vanpooling and ride-sharing will become more readily available transportation options to explore in many regions of the province.

The program is largely user-pay. Local governments will be actively encouraged to participate in the marketing and promotion of the program where vanpools exist.

Our next step is to explore growth options with local governments in other areas.