Sedona AZ (February 11, 2016) – The Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) is adding another commuter service to its MOUNTAIN LINE and MOUNTAIN LINK transit systems. The commuter vanpool program is ideal for people with daily commutes from outlying County areas into the City of Flagstaff or reverse commutes from the City to outlying areas. Vanpools can be started with as few as five people and have capacity for up to 12. NAIPTA was recently awarded a grant to help offset the ridership costs of vanpool participation.
Offered as a cost effective and environmentally responsible alternative to single occupant commuting, the goal of the program is to reduce both traffic and parking congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and expand the financial benefits of public transit to a broader share of Coconino County residents.
While costs for carpooling are negotiated among participants, in vanpools, the cost of a monthly vehicle lease (partially subsidized by –funds from ADOT and Coconino County for commutes starting or ending in Coconino County) and fuel are shared by the group.
Unlike a personal lease, NAIPTA’s vanpool program includes all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance/service/repairs, 24 hour roadside assistance/towing, loaner vehicle (if needed), commercial insurance with zero deductible and a guaranteed ride home program. Additionally, drivers may use the vehicle during the day.
vRide Inc. the leading provider of commuter vanpool programs nationally, has partnered with NAIPTA to handle community/employer outreach, provide specially configured vehicles and oversee all administrative and customer service functions for the program. vRide’s staff assists individuals and companies in identifying potential commuter groups by home location, work site vicinity and schedules.
For more information, and help determining your personal potential savings, please visit www.mountainlinevanpool.com or contact Rick MacNeal, vRide’s N. Arizona representative via e-mail at rick.macneal@vride.com or Kate Morley at NAIPTA at (928)679-8903.
