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Vanpool FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find a vanpool in my neighborhood?

On the Ticket to Ride website, under the Vanpool tab, click on Current Operating Vanpools and choose your destination from the drop-down menu.  Continue your search by picking the origin and work hours.

If I see a vanpool in my neighborhood, how do I join this vanpool? 

If your locations and work schedule match, then click contact the driver and ask the driver about availability.  He/She should respond to you within 48 hours; if not, you may contact TTR and we will contact the driver on your behalf.  Once the driver confirms there is availability and you are able to join the vanpool, you must contact TTR to fill-out the required passenger agreement and pay a deposit, if required.

What if the vanpool I would like to join has a waiting list, how do I know if I have been added?

The driver will contact you via email.  If you do not hear back from the driver within 48 hours, please contact TTR.

How long will it be before I am added to the vanpool?

Each vanpool varies depending on the size of the waiting list.  If there are more than 7 people on a waiting list, TTR will try to start a new vanpool from this location, depending on the availability of vehicles.  You can contact TTR periodically to check on the status of your place on a vanpool’s waiting list.

What if I can’t find a vanpool in my neighborhood?

You can either contact TTR for assistance in starting a new vanpool in your area or request a carpool match.  The carpool match is a list of people that live and work within 1-2 miles of you and work the same shift.  Click here for a carpool match.

How many people do I need to start a vanpool?

We recommend starting a vanpool with 7 people, including the driver.  TTR will subsidize the empty seats for the first 3 months (see Vanpool Subsidies under Billing) in order to keep costs down and give the group time to recruit additional passengers.

Are TTR vanpools for work commutes only?

Yes

Can a group use the vans for shuttling employees?

No, these vans are used for traditional vanpooling purposes only which means they can only make one roundtrip commute per day.

How is the vanpool route determined?

In the process of forming a vanpool, TTR staff works with the vanpool driver to determine the best route based on everyone’s home and work locations.  Vanpools do not pick up passengers at their homes, rather all passengers meet at a park and ride location (church parking lot, store parking lot, etc.) in the morning and are dropped off there in the afternoon.  When a new passenger is added to the group, the route may be changed to accommodate his/her work location.  The group collectively decides if routes need to be changed for efficiency purposes.  In order to keep the commute time to a minimum, some vanpools may require passengers to walk a block or two from their worksite for drop-off and pick-up. 

How much does this cost?

Fares vary based on the vanpool’s monthly mileage and passenger count.  See TTR Billing for an explanation of how the fees are calculated.

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee to join.

Do I have to pay a deposit to join? 

Yes, there is a $75 deposit to join and this must be paid prior to joining the vanpool.  If your employer pays for your vanpool fare and you receive vouchers, then a deposit is not required.

Can my employer help?

Your employer can help pay for your vanpool fare through a subsidy or the entire fare.  See Commuter Choice for more information.

How long do I have to join for?

Membership is month to month and members must give a 30-day notice to their vanpool driver and TTR when they plan to cancel.  If an employer is providing subsidy or a voucher for your fare, you must also notify your employer of the cancellation of your service.

Can I join part-time?

We do not currently allow part-time riders.  Membership is month to month and is for the entire month.

How do I cancel my service?

You must fill-out a membership cancellation notice and fax it to TTR at 502-266-6032.  You will be responsible for 30 days from the date your service cancellation is received. 

How old do you have to be to become a driver?

You must be 25 years old to become a TTR vanpool driver.

How do you determine who will be the driver?

A new vanpool group usually discusses who will be a driver based on interest, location of home and work, and the approval by TTR’s insurance carrier.  TTR requires at least one primary driver and one alternate driver but groups can have unlimited alternate drivers.