UTA’s Vanpool program provides vans to participants who ride together to and from work or nearby destinations. Vanpool service is paid for by the commuters in each van or by a company for their employees.
Traditional Vanpool
Vanpool is just like carpooling but with a few more people. UTA Rideshare has mini- and full-size vans, including ADA accessible vans, available for people who live and work in approximately the same area and can commute together. UTA vehicles are assigned to vanpool groups and driven by volunteers who commute together.
Why Choose Vanpool
Participating in a vanpool reduces the number of cars on the road and improves air quality. Vanpooling will also help save on gas and personal vehicle maintenance costs. When using Vanpool, you can travel directly to and from work. Riders can forget about driving and traffic — they are free to read, work, text, and even sleep.
Cost
Vanpool fare depends on the distance traveled. The average commute is approximately 80 miles per day, which is about $170 per month. The cost includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, and the vehicle lease. For more information click here or email utarideshare@rideuta.com.
How to Become a Vanpool Rider
Go to utarideshare.com to create an account and your commuter profile. Sign the Participant Agreement under My Account.
Click the Vanpool Status icon to search for a Vanpool or join an existing Vanpool.
If you know the Vanpool group you plan to join, enter the Vanpool code, route name, or contact name. You will be added to a waiting list and will be added to the Vanpool once your account is processed or payment is confirmed.
If you don’t have a van in mind, click Search for a vanpool to search for an existing Vanpool to join.
How to Start a Vanpool
After you have created an account and signed the Participant Agreement:
- Find at least 4 people who share a similar commute. They will also be required to create a commuter profile and fill out a participant agreement.
- Choose one primary driver and at least one backup driver.
- Decide on a proposed route, pick-up points, and schedule.
Traditional Vanpool FAQ
No. Vanpool is a monthly subscription service, unlike a ride-hailing service such as Uber, Lyft, and taxi service. UTA does offer on-demand trips in some locations provided by UTA On Demand.
We require a minimum of 2 UTA-approved volunteer drivers per vanpool.
Successful Vanpool participation relies on fostering healthy group dynamics, open communication, adherence to operating rules, addressing complaints, and retaining/recruiting participants. Vanpool groups should address potential issues and develop solutions through majority vote. All established procedures must comply with UTA Vanpool operations policies.
Volunteer drivers must be 21 years of age, pass a driver history review, have 5 years of U.S. driving experience, and complete UTA online driver training.
UTA’s Vanpool service area covers the entire state of Utah, even in counties that do not have standard UTA service. Vanpools must originate and terminate within the state boundaries.
A UTA pass (monthly, Eco, or Ed Pass) does not cover UTA Vanpool service. However, our RideVan Plus service does include a pass to pay for transit and Vanpool. For more information, see RideVan Plus below.
Yes. Many of our vanpool groups operate on a 4/40 or 9/80 work schedule. If you work a part-time schedule, your fare will be adjusted accordingly.
The route and schedule for each vanpool are decided by the group. Some vans go door-to-door, but most vanpools establish one or two convenient pick-up points.
Notify the vanpool driver regarding absences (planned and unplanned) with as much notice as possible. The cost of vanpooling is similar to a subscription service; periodic absences don’t affect the monthly cost.
Each vanpool group has 50 personal miles per month to share. Personal trips can be used for running an errand, taking UTA vanpool participants to lunch, work events, etc.
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) provides vanpool participants with a free ride home when one of life’s unexpected emergencies arises, such as a personal/family illness or unscheduled overtime required by your employer. Commuters may take advantage of GRH up to 6 times per calendar year.
To schedule a GRH, call UTA’s Customer Service at 801-RIDE-UTA (801-287-7433).
Employer Vanpool Participation
If you want to provide UTA Vanpool services as a benefit to your employees, you can create a company-sponsored Vanpool.
Productivity
Ridesharing provides employees with more affordable and less stressful commuting options. Using a carpool or vanpool lets workers arrive relaxed, productive, and focused on work instead of their commute.
Recruitment
Ridesharing supports recruitment efforts by offering transportation options tailored to your employees' needs.
Air Quality
By supporting employee ridesharing, employers can voluntarily improve regional air quality and boost economic development — so everyone can work and breathe a little easier! It also takes cars off the roads and frees up valuable space in your company’s parking lot.
Vanpool Costs
Companies can choose their level of vanpool sponsorship. Costs vary depending on number of passengers and distance traveled. For more information click here or email utarideshare@rideuta.com.
Companies can provide their employees with a benefit, based on the IRS Transportation Fringe Benefit. To learn more, open the IRS Tax Guide, then go to the Transportation (Commuting) Benefits section. If employers choose not to sponsor the vanpool, they can provide a pre-tax transit benefit for employees, similar to a health savings account.
If you want to provide a vanpool for your employees, fill out the Let’s Ride form below the FAQ to get started.
Employer Vanpool FAQ
UTA provides a gas card, is self-insured, and has vendors that perform maintenance service. Customized plans may be available for companies who prefer to provide their own insurance and maintenance, which could provide a discount.
Many participants meet at a common location to start their commute. Some Vanpools pick up and drop off at park and ride lots or FrontRunner or TRAX stations. Routes are determined by your company and the participants.
We require at least 2 UTA-approved volunteer drivers from the Vanpool group. Some exceptions may apply for companies with multiple vanpool vans.
Volunteer drivers must be 21 years of age or older, pass a driver history review, have 5 years of U.S. driving experience, and complete UTA online driver training (or have a current CDL).
Successful Vanpool participation relies on fostering healthy group dynamics, open communication, adherence to operating rules, addressing complaints, and retaining/recruiting participants. Vanpool groups should address potential issues and develop solutions through majority vote. All established procedures must comply with UTA Vanpool operations policies.
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) provides Vanpool participants with a free ride home when one of life’s unexpected emergencies arises, such as a personal/family illness or unscheduled overtime required by your employer. Commuters may take advantage of GRH up to 6 times per calendar year.
To schedule a GRH, call UTA’s Customer Service at 801-RIDE-UTA (801-287-7433).
Let's Ride
RideVan Plus
RideVan Plus is a first/last mile transportation option that connects commuters between home, local transit hubs, and work. With just 6 or more people who share a similar route and schedule, you can form a RideVan Plus group and split the driving duties and costs. You drive your assigned van, located near a train station or park and ride, to your destination. A premium monthly pass is included for the transit part of the trip.
RideVan Plus is ideal for shorter commutes, typically 20 miles or less round-trip, particularly if you don’t live near transit options or your workplace has limited or no transit access.
RideVan Plus is ideal for shorter commutes, typically 20 miles or less round-trip, particularly if you don’t live near transit options or your workplace has limited or no transit access. For cost info, click here.
To get started, fill out the Let’s Ride form above.
Special Events
Parking at local venues can be a challenge sometimes. You can carpool to a special event, using your own vehicle and sharing the ride. To get started, set up a commuter profile at utarideshare.com and submit a request in advance for UTA to review. Others who are near you will be able to find your event and share the ride once approved.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about UTA Vanpool, please contact us.
Call 801-287-3826, option 4, to leave a message.
Our Vanpool Partners
Testimonials
“The Vanpool program has allowed participants to utilize the benefit to save money for commuting and allowed them to interact with others on post that they may not do so otherwise. This program has helped with the traffic to and from work for participants all over Utah. The environmental impact of commuting is reduced with the option to use rideshare.” — Jill McAfee, Dugway Proving Ground
“Brian Head Resort is very thankful for the opportunity we have to work with Utah Transit Authority to ensure our employees always have a ride to work when they need it! Whether an employee is having car issues, doesn't have reliable transportation, or the weather implements an issue for employees to get to work, we can always rely on UTA vans to help us out!” — Sierra Johns, Brian Head Resort
The testimonials below are from anonymous UTA Employee Vanpool participants.
“We are almost six years into our Vanpool experience. This has saved me so much money! I'm someone who has worn out a few new cars commuting in past years. Tires, oil, fuel, and car value are big expenses! I also enjoy the conversation and camaraderie we share. Vanpool is a great deal and a good experience.”
“I LOVE the Employee Vanpool! It has saved me so much $ in gas and wear and tear on my own car. It is very consistent and helps me get to work on time. It is wonderful not to worry about driving through heavy traffic when I ride. When I take my turn to drive, it feels good to return the favor to my fellow vanpoolers.”
“Vanpool has been a two-pronged blessing in my life! First, it helps me de-stress while coming from and going to work. It’s nice to have that buffer time before I get home. Second, I love working with the people in the Vanpool department.”