During April, OCTA is encouraging companies to start vanpools by offering significant incentives and discounts on vanpool leases. April is Earth Month, an ideal time to focus on the environmental benefits of vanpools. One vanpool can dramatically decrease a company's carbon footprint by taking several cars off the road.
Vanpools offer other benefits as well. They can help employers reduce congestion in overcrowded parking lots, comply with South Coast Air Quality Management Department (SCAQMD) regulations, and improve employee engagement and retention. Employees who share a vanpool save on gas, car maintenance and stress while reducing commute time by traveling in carpool lanes.
Incentives for vanpool groups include a $150 monthly discount for the first three months of the vanpool lease ($450 total discount) and a $100 prepaid gas card. To be eligible, the vanpool must be composed primarily (60 percent) of new riders not currently in a vanpool. Vanpool formation paperwork must be submitted and vanpool must begin taking trips by April 30, 2015.
OCTA helps Orange County employers set up vanpools, communicate the benefits to employees, and save time and money. For more information, contact the OCTA vanpool specialist Kris Hewkin at (714)-560-5331 or khewkin@octa.net.
