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Greetings!
Welcome to the new MassRIDES
newsletter for vanpoolers where you can learn
about the latest news, programs, and services
for commuters who travel by van.
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2007 Vanpool Survey
The results are in!
 In fall 2007,
MassRIDES conducted its biennial survey
of current vanpool riders to provide insights
into vanpool commuters, their experiences,
expectations, and their evaluations of commuting
to work by vanpool. This information is intended
to support strategic decisions for future
vanpool services. Among other things,
vanpoolers were asked why they joined vanpools.
As in previous years, they cited cost savings as
the primary motivator. Below is a breakdown of
responses with the response rate:
- Less expensive - 89%
- Less wear on car - 57%
- Less stressful - 51%
- Do not want to drive - 50%
- More convenient - 42%
- Better for the environment - 33%
- Faster - 31%
- Productive use of time - 21%
- More comfortable - 21%
- Preferred parking - 19%
Vanpool riders, satisfied
with their chosen mode, stay with it over time,
with the average survey respondent vanpooling
eight years. Respondents rated their overall
vanpooling experience positively, especially in
the areas of "saving money," "good for the
environment," and "convenience."
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2008 Vanpool Forum
Coordinators
participate in annual forum  MassRIDES invited 56
vanpool coordinators to participate in the
annual vanpool forum aimed at fostering dialogue
about programs and services, best practices in
vanpool operation, survey results, and service
enhancements. Representatives from 13
vanpools attended this year's forum.
Participating vanpools originated from various
regions of Massachusetts and New Hampshire while
all were destined for downtown Boston,
Cambridge, or Chelsea. MassRIDES staff
reported vanpool highlights for 2007 including:
- 100 new vanpool riders
- 10 new vanpool groups/routes
- 61 vanpools in operation
- 40% of current vanpools destined to suburban
worksites
- 758 vanpoolers
Linda Boisselle, who has
been a vanpooler since 1990, shared best
practices from her vanpool traveling from
Auburn/Millbury to Boston. She encourages riders
to think of vanpools as co-ops, rather than a
bus company. All parties on the vanpool share
responsibilities as efficiently, comfortably,
and as cheaply as possible (i.e. oil changes,
refueling, driving, rider calendar, driver
chart, ice/snow duty).
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MassRIDES distributed ERH enrollment letters for 2008 in February. This letter explains what a vanpooler should do in the event of an emergency.