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Special Edition Focus: CommuteInfo Vanpooling 101
The winners for July include a commuter who travels from Butler County to Monroeville, a newly registered carpooler, and a commuter who travels from Washington County into downtown Pittsburgh for work. Learn how you could be our next winner on our website! Detailed park-n-ride information added to CommuteInfo website Click here to check out the listing of park-n-ride facilities.
Early proponent of ridesharing remembered for his efforts Other articles that may be of interest:
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Special Edition Focus: CommuteInfo Vanpooling 101 Did you know the first vanpools in Southwestern PA were actually started in the early 1970s? Vanpooling has a long history in our region. During times of major oil shortages there have even been times when over 200 vanpools were in operation. Currently 33 vanpools are in operation in the region, taking groups of commuters to and from work everyday. The CommuteInfo vanpools travel an average of 42 miles one way and almost all cross at least one county border on their travels.
Read the answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about vanpooling by clicking here. [ top ]
Vanpool Groups Looking for Riders Ever considered joining a vanpool? Several of our groups have seats available. Why not try it one week for free? Origination: Weirton, WV Origination: Irwin/N. Huntingdon Origination: Monroeville Origination: Latrobe Origination: White Oak/McKeesport Origination: Latrobe Origination: Greensburg/Irwin Origination: Weirton, WV Origination: Weirton, WV If vanpooling works for you, you can join on either a full-time or part-time basis. Learn more about our vanpool program on our website. [ top ]
Stories From The Commute (Stories From Our Program Participants) This is a new section added at the request of our readers. This is a place where your stories can be shared. If you would like to submit an article or information for future editions, please email them to Lisa Kay Schweyer at LKSchweyer@spcregion.org. The bride and groom met where? Sharing a ride to work on a vanpool? At that point, Mike had already been riding the van for 3 years and did not even recognize Heather her first day. Heather had remained active in the church and through that, got reacquainted with Mike’s family. Heather and Mike sat next to each other in the van. Over the years, as happens in many vans, the participants shared stories and got to learn much more about each other’s lives. In February of 2005, the group decided to go out to celebrate Mike's birthday and that is when Mike and Heather started dating. "We spend two hours a day commuting to and from downtown Pittsburgh. It's nice to be able to share that time together" Mike said. Less than a year later, the couple was engaged and this fall, they will get married. "I never expected to find my husband on the vanpool!" Heather said. Believe it or not, this is not the first time this has happened. Over the 30 years the CommuteInfo vanpool program has been in existence there have been other marriages and many, many friendships formed. [ top ]
Dr. Marie A. Mastria, CLC, PCC Offers Ten Tips for the Overextended Commuter Do you know a commuter who isn’t overextended because of the commute he or she must take to reach the office? If so, you probably know someone who is using the tips outlined below. However they got there, any commuters who are at ease with their commute and not overextended because of the time and expense of the commute, has found the secrets to making the commute work for them. Click here to get the 10 tips. Mid Mon Valley Transit Offers Special Promotions!! Did you ever ride a Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority (MMVTA) bus? If you haven’t, you are missing out on a fantastic transportation alternative. By riding with the MMVTA you will save money by not paying outrageous gas prices and parking fees. You can eliminate the hassle of traffic by leaving the driving to the MMVTA, and you will be able to ride in comfort on the MMVTA vehicles. The MMVTA would love for you to give the bus a TRY! We will even give you two bus trips FREE! Simply complete the registration form at www.mmvta.com under the Give Us a TRY…4 FREE section or call the MMVTA at 724-489-0880 to enroll. If you are already a MMVTA rider, be sure to enroll in the FREQUENT RIDER REWARDS at the MMVTA website or by calling the MMVTA. *Offer expires 6/30/07 If you have any questions feel free to email customersupport@mmvta.com or call 724-489-0880. FREQUENT RIDER REWARDS Visit www.mmvta.com or call 724-489-0880 to register for the RIDER REWARDS CARD. Once you receive your RIDER REWARDS CARD be sure to use it to get a FREE bus trip after each card is fully punched!
It’s that EASY! [ top ]
We are always looking for community events or speaking opportunities where CommuteInfo can be represented – please email us with your ideas!
With approximately 60% of the Southwestern Pennsylvania region's 1.5 million workers traveling outside of their resident municipality to work each day, commuting options are clearly an integral part of life for the region’s employers and workers. CommuteInfo is a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), operated in partnership with transportation management associations, transportation providers, businesses and non-profit service organizations throughout Southwestern PA. Through the strong network of partnerships, the CommuteInfo program offers a wide range of ride-sharing services to employers and commuters within the region, including a toll free phone number for information requests and referrals, vanpool/carpool rider matching, transit/biking/walking resources as well as park and ride lot information. CommuteInfo serves commuters and employers in 10 counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland. You have received this message because you have signed up for the e-newsletter on the CommuteInfo website. If you have received this in error or no longer wish to receive messages from CommuteInfo, please reply to this message with your unsubscribe request. Thanks again for your interest in commuting alternatives and CommuteInfo . . . a better way to work. |
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A commuter recently asked how the CommuteInfo program made a profit on the vanpools. The answer is that the program does not make a profit. The CommuteInfo program contracts with a third party provider, VPSI, who is responsible for the acquisition/maintenance of the vehicles, driver screening and selection and invoicing the groups. Because of federal program funding, CommuteInfo is able to help offset the fixed costs to the groups, in most cases by 50%. In addition, VPSI offers the groups the option of utilizing a gas card which can also be subsidized by the CommuteInfo program. 
Here's how it works: