Getting Started

Start by talking with co-workers who live near you, or who may already be carpooling from your area. Many vanpools start out as carpools. Meet for coffee, or over lunch, to discuss if vanpooling may make sense for your commute.

If you have identified at least 4 individuals who are interest in starting a vanpool, contact the Vanpool Providers listed to discuss lease options and lease prices. Should you choose to enter into a lease agreement with a Vanpool Provider, contact us, 908.788.5553, to register your vanpool and enroll in the NJ TRANSIT Vanpool Sponsorship Program.

Vanpool Providers

You may contact one of the following Vanpool Providers serving New Jersey to negotiate a lease:

Commute with Enterprise

1550 Route Route 23 N
Wayne, NJ 07470
www.CommuteWithEnterprise.com
Joe Traina
Sales Executive
(201) 320-8300 Mobile
joseph.a.traina@ehi.com

Support & Incentives

Emergency Ride Home

No need to worry about getting home if you vanpool. If you or your vanpool mate(s) must leave early/stay late, or have an unexpected emergency, we will subsidize the cost of a rental car, taxi, or driving service to get you home.* Restrictions apply.

NJ TRANSIT Sponsorship

The NJ TRANSIT Vanpool Sponsorship Program offers $175 per month to eligible vanpools toward the lease cost of vanpools operating in New Jersey. The amount of the subsidy is deducted directly from the Vanpool Provider invoice each month. Eligibility for the sponsorship is determined by NJ TRANSIT. Vans must be obtained from a participating Vanpool Provider and must be driven to a New Jersey worksite.

"Try a Ride" Vanpool Subsidy

Interested in vanpooling, but not sure if it will be a viable commute option for you? Give it a try on us! Our “Try a Ride” Vanpool Subsidy provides new vanpool riders with a subsidy of $50/month for the first 3 months you try out vanpooling. The subsidy is paid directly to the vanpool provider to be applied to the lease cost. Proportionate gas and tolls costs are the responsibility of the vanpool rider.

Referral Program

Love vanpooling? Share your enthusiasm with others! If they join your vanpool, we’ll reward you with a special gift!

Vanpooling FAQs

I live in Pennsylvania. I work in Hunterdon County, NJ. Can I sign up for a vanpool?

Yes. The vanpool program is based upon the commuter’s worksite location. As long as you work in Hunterdon County, NJ, you are eligible for the vanpool program.

How many commuters ride in a vanpool?

Vanpools can vary from 7- 15 commuters

Who provides the van?

A third-party vanpool provider provides the van as part of a lease agreement with the commuters. The commuters enter into the lease agreement collectively, with all parties responsible for their share of the monthly lease cost.

What is the time commitment of a Vanpool Lease?

Most Vanpool Providers offer “month-to-month” leases, with a one month termination requirement.

Who drives the van?

Typically it's one or two members of the vanpool who possess a valid drivers licence agree to drive.

Two common options are:

• The van is driven by one vanpool participant at all times. Often, when one person agrees to be the designated drive, the other vanpool participants offer that individual a reduced cost share in the vanpool.
• The van is driven on a rotation basis with two or more of the vanpoolers taking turns driving daily, weekly, or monthly.
• *Vanpool providers prefer a minimum of two passengers be vetted as a driver carin the event of illness or vacation, the vanpool can continue to function. 

What about vehicle maintenance?

The vanpool providers arrange for, and include all maintenance of the vehicles, as part of the cost of the lease agreement. The only additional “out of pocket” expenses to the vanpoolers are tolls, gasoline or parking, as necessary.

Where is the van parked at night?

The vanpool participants decided where to keep the vehicle when not in use. In most cases, the driver takes the van home, or, in rare instances, the vanpool is kept at a park and ride location. (permission is required from park and ride facility for overnight parking.)

Vanpooling Tips

Determine your route and schedule.

Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate a place(s) to meet for the trip home.

Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities.

If all members of your vanpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Be punctual.

Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a rider is running a few minutes late.

Establish policies.

Smoking or nonsmoking; music and volume; food and drinks. Your vanpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially.

Be specific about the purpose of the vanpool.

If it is for commuting to and from work, do not let it become a shopping or errand service.

Establish a chain of communication.

If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the vanpool will have a ride. If a member is ill or will not be working, the driver must be contacted as soon as possible.

Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair.

This includes keeping the vehicle clean and safe. There are others involved. There should be no excuse for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless maneuvers. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule required by the vanpool provider.

Respect your fellow vanpooler's wishes.

Especially in the morning, when some people like a time of quiet, be considerate.