Transportation Services
Vanpools, Other
COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR TRANSPORTATION
Are you Returning to a WSU Work Location?
Guidance for Specific Workplace Scenarios
Public Transportation and Ride Sharing: If you take public transportation, shared rides, vanpools, buses, trains, ferries, etc. it is recommended you wear a face covering throughout rides with others and avoid touching surfaces with your hands. Upon disembarking or leaving the vehicle wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the preferred form of hand hygiene as soon as possible and before removing your mask.
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WSU Transportation Services understands the struggles of rising transportation and parking costs on campus, and we want to help WSU employees save money while making it to work each day in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly way. Through a partnership between WSU Transportation Services and WSU Motor Pool, the WSU Vanpool program offers WSU staff, faculty, and students the opportunity to make the commute to WSU together.
About the WSU Vanpool
Benefits of utilizing Vanpool services at WSU-Pullman:
- Great way to save money on fuel and personal vehicle maintenance
- Socialize with fellow colleagues and neighbors
- Reduce traffic congestion on campus
- Make a positive environmental contribution to the community by riding together
Current Vanpool Groups: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, currently, there are no vanpools being operated through the WSU Vanpool program.
Previous WSU Vanpool groups include:
- Moscow
- Colfax – Steptoe
- Lewiston – Clarkston
Other Vanpool Options:
- Asotin County Public Transportation Benefit Area Vanpools: General Manager and Vanpool Coordinator: Jenny George Email: jgeorge@asotincoptba.com Phone: (509) 758-3567
- Vanpools from Spokane: Spokane Transit Authority (STA) will provide assistance for arranging vanpools from Spokane for WSU faculty and staff. Current information on the status of vanpools between Spokane and Pullman can be found here at https://www.spokanetransit.com/vanpool.
STA Vanpool Program for matching and placement services.
Phone: (509) 326-POOL (7665)
Email: stavanpool@spokanetransit.com
Important Resources:
Emergency Ride Home In order to promote alternatives to commuting in single-occupant vehicles, the University supports the Emergency Ride Home program. This program provides assurance of a ride in an emergency for those who use alternative commute methods. Follow this link for more information on the Emergency Ride Home policy. Commute Trip Reduction The Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Law seeks to identify and establish commute alternatives that could reduce employee single-occupant vehicle use. Reducing single-occupant vehicle use in turn will:
- Improve air quality
- Reduce traffic congestion
- Reduce the consumption of petroleum fuel
The law was adopted by the state legislature and incorporated into the Washington Clean Air Act in 1991 as RCW 70.94.521-551. Major employers in all Washington counties with populations of over 150,000 are required to establish and implement CTR programs. ( RCW 70.94.527 ) The WSU Spokane campus coordinates a CTR program with Spokane County. The WSU Pullman, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver campuses are not required to establish CTR programs. However, University administrators at WSU Pullman, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver have decided to voluntarily participate in CTR goals. Follow this link for more information on the Commute Trip Reduction policy.
We Want to Expand
We are hoping that other communities and other groups within the above-mentioned communities will join in the Vanpool program as well. If you are interested in starting or joining a WSU Vanpool group please contact us!
Testimonials from WSU Vanpool Riders and Drivers:
Vanpool saves us money. Gas and parking are easy to figure, but you also have to take into account the extra oil changes and wear and tear on the vehicle. I figure we save easily at least $2,000 per year.
I can enjoy the scenery, read a book, take a nap or visit with my van mates if I am not driving, and I have met many very nice people on the van.