Vanpooling

Are vanpools right for you? If you travel about 15 miles or more each way to work and have a schedule that’s relatively consistent, you’re a good prospect! Vanpools consist of 7 to 15 passengers and are operated by the van riders. The vehicle is leased from a state approved van provider for a fee which also includes insurance and maintenance. Hudson TMA can assist the commuters with the process of leasing a van so they can operate their own vanpool. Financial subsidies are available, see below.

If you do not have enough commuters to fill your vanpool, the TMA may assist by hosting a vanpool information fair at your worksite to attract interested commuters. You can also search our database of commuters who are either currently Ride sharing or looking to do so. To obtain a free list of commuters who live and work near you click on the link to our online Rideshare Application.

Vanpooling has the same benefits as carpooling, but often to a greater degree:

• lower fuel costs
• reduced vehicle wear and cost of maintenance 
• money saved on parking and tolls
• less traffic, which equals less stress and fatigue 
• additional quality time to read or relax while en-route 
• fewer cars on the road, which means less pollution

To start your own vanpool or join an existing vanpool you can call the Hudson TMA @ 201-324-6222. View our vanpool brochure.

NJ Transit Vanpool Sponsorship Program

Vanpool operators can receive subsidy from NJ Transit in the amount of $175.00 or $325 per month if they utilize the HOV lanes. The money is sent directly to the vanpool provider to reduce the monthly cost of the lease. To qualify, the work destination must be in New Jersey or at a transit hub which the riders would utilize to continue the commute to work. Hudson TMA will assist in the application.

HTMA Vanpool Start Up Subsidy

To assist in jump starting your new vanpool, the Hudson TMA will subsidize part of the cost of the van lease by $100 per month for three months.

HTMA Empty Van Seat Subsidy

Hudson TMA may offer assistance to new vanpool operators or current operators who have lost a passenger and have difficulty bearing the financial burden. The criteria for the subsidy are as follows:

• The vanpool must be registered with Hudson TMA.
• The van must be leased through VPSI
•  The vanpool operator must show how he/she has been aggressively attempting to find new passengers
• The vanpool operator must fill out the application for EVSS for each month they request subsidy
• The van must be at 80% capacity
• The maximum amount allotted for subsidy is $100 per van per month for no more than 3 months per year
• The van operator’s employer must be registered with the HTMA
• Subsidy will not be paid if the van pool operator refuses to downsize to a smaller van when requested by the Hudson TMA
• Hudson TMA reserves the right to deny subsidy at its own discretion
• Subsidies will be paid to the van provider

All vanpool riders, both driver and passengers, are eligible for the Emergency Ride Home program. For additional assistance, call our staff directly at 201-324-6222 or email.