Abstract |
In April 1973, the 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota initiated the first employer-sponsored commuter-van program in the United States. Since that time and often following 3M's example, over 100 employers have sponsored vanpool programs. In addition, two other significant types of vanpool programs are operating: the third-party approach, where vans are provided and vanpools organized by other than the employer or employee; and the individually owned and operated approach, where a commuter provides the van and organizes the vanpool. The purpose of this booklet is twofold: (1) to present in one source the current data on a cross-section of vanpool programs; and (2) to allow prospective vanpool sponsors to analyze and compare the various approaches used by those programs already in operation. The key characteristic of vanpool programs is that each is a unique adaptation to a particular situation. A knowledge of these possible variations should prove helpful to an employer planning to embark on a vanpool project. (ERA citation 03:048121) |