The Point: VanClub helps commuters save more money and stress less
VanClub members and anyone looking for a better commute have more reasons to celebrate! The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) recently approved an increase to the monthly subsidy vanpool program. The increased subsidy covers 50% of vehicle lease rates – up to $600 per month. Previously, the subsidy covered up to $400. An additional $100 is also available for zero-emission vehicle vanpool leases.
VanClub, a service of RCTC, subsidizes eligible vanpools up to $600 per month towards the cost of a vanpool lease, which includes vehicle maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance. This means if the monthly vehicle lease rate is $1,050, the subsidy amount paid toward the lease will be $525. If the monthly vehicle lease is $1,200 or more, the subsidy amount will not exceed $600.
VanClub members now receive up to $600 per month towards the cost of a vanpool lease
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, private transportation costs increased by 15.5% between 2021 and 2022, raising solo driving costs to all-time highs. By making the switch to vanpool, riders can enjoy reduced transportation costs on gas, tolls, and parking. Riders also get to minimize wear and mileage on their own vehicles and reclaim time in their day.
Communities benefit from vanpools through reduced greenhouse gas emissions from less cars on the road. Since the program’s inception in 2018, RCTC’s VanClub members have helped reduce more than 397,000 drive-alone vehicle trips, 14.5 million vehicle miles traveled, and 5.5 tons in vehicle emissions.
VanClub is partially funded by Riverside County’s Measure A, a half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements and services. Additional funding is provided by local Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction (MSRC) and federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant funds. VanClub is one of the ways RCTC and commuters can work together for transportation solutions that better the environment and roadway congestion.
For more information about joining or starting a VanClub, visit vanclub.net.