VANPOOL SUBSIDIES
ARE AVAILABLE

Commute Connection's Vanpool Subsidy Program

Have you looked into starting a new vanpool lately? It's really not hard and the benefits can mean CA$H in your pocket and less wear and tear on your personal automobile. Commute Connection is currently offering subsidies of $1,800 for one year ($150 per month) to newly formed vanpools.

Commute Connection works with with authorized vanpool providers such as,  Enterprise Rideshare and VPSI to conveniently organize new vanpools. Commute Connection serves San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. So if your new vanpool originates in, travels to or operates within any of these counties, you are more than likely eligible to receive this subsidy.

Commute Connection, Enterprise Rideshare and VPSI are working together to make the process as easy as possible. A vanpool is generally between 5 - 15 riders, including the driver. Which means a large vanpool can take up to 14 cars off the road daily!  Some of the benefits are listed below:

* Monthly Subsidy - up to $1,800 (twelve payments of $150 each)

* Driver Medical Examination Reimbursement - a one time reimbursement to new drivers for the full cost of their medical examination.

* Free Matchlists - to keep your vanpool full, a list of registered commuters who have similar commute patterns to your vanpool

* Eligible to use the HOV/Carpool Lane

* Vanpool providers offer Free Service and Maintenance

* Vanpool providers offer 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

* Vanpool providers offer 24 Hour Administrative Support

* Vanpool providers offer a Comprehensive Insurance Program

* Some employers offer Preferential Parking

* Tax Credit from IRS - See Publication 15B

* Guaranteed Ride Home Program - depending on your employer and vanpool destination (read more).

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District's Vanpool Subsidy

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) is seeking applications from vanpool riders for their Vanpool Voucher Incentive Program. Applicants must reside within the District (San Joaquin Valley) which encompasses San Joaquin through Kern Counties. The purpose of the Vanpool Voucher Incentive Program is to encourage commuter rideshare practices among frequent long distance (greater than 20 miles) riders in the San Joaquin Valley. Increasing passenger ridership by replacing single occupant vehicle (SOV) commutes in the region, will assist the district in the attainment of federal and state air quality standards.

The District is comprised of eight counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the San Joaquin Valley portion of Kern County. The District does not meet the health based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone and particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5), and is required to implement strategies that will result in emissions reductions.

All legally operating vanpool agencies may participate in the Vanpool Voucher Incentive Program. The program will fund a portion of the monthly passenger fare with a voucher booklet of twelve (12) vouchers used over the course of 15 months for a total of $360 per rider. Applicants may re-apply using the District application for Current Vanpool Riders Form for an additional year for up to three (3) years for a total of $1,080. For additional information on the SJVAPCD Remove II program click HERE.

TUNE IN & TUNE UP!

Here's an opportunity to get your car smogged and maybe even repaired for free!

In an effort to remove gross-polluting vehicles from valley roads, the Air District is teaming up with Valley Clean Air Now, for Tune In & Tune Up events throughout the Valley. Funding is available through California's Vehicle Repair, Retirement, Replacement for Motorists Program to assist valley residents who may have difficulty keeping their cars properly smogged.

If you reside in the San Joaquin Valley, and your vehicle is 1995 or older and you've owned it for at least six months, you're invited to attend any of the free smog test events being conducted throughout the valley this year. If your vehicle doesn't pass and your vehicle is repairable, you could receive up to $500 for repairs.

Get ready Madera, your Tune In & Tune Up event is just around the corner! Saturday, July 30th - 9a.m. - 3p.m. or until the first 525 cars are processed. Location: Madera District Fair Grounds - 1850 W. Cleveland Ave. Parking Lot B. Click HERE for additional information on the Madera Tune In & Tune Up Event.

The following are tentative dates for additional events in the San Joaquin Valley:

August 20th - Fresno

September 10th - Stockton

October 8th - Visalia

October 29th - Bakersfield

November 19th - Modesto

Dates are tentative! To check the Valley Air District website for additional information. Click HERE.