Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes, Chapter 5: Vanpools and Buspools

This chapter highlights the travel demand findings for vanpooling and buspooling. The chapter examines the effects of travel times, pricing, and a number of related tangibles and intangibles on the decision to vanpool in particular; quantifies vanpooling and buspooling as best can be done; looks at vanpooling trends; examines rider survey information; identifies indicators of market potential; and explores cost implications, among other subjects. Vanpools generally consist of 5 to 15 people, including a volunteer driver-member, that elect to commute together in a van. Vanpooling is distinguished from carpooling by not only size, but also the greater degree of management and institutional involvement required. Meanwhile, buspool programs offer a neighborhood-based demand responsive service similar to vanpooling, but with professional or, at least, appropriately licensed bus drivers and the use of buses, mini-buses, or large vans. The information presented in Chapter 5 on vanpools and buspools covers both traveler response and implications for program success. This chapter will be of interest to transit and transportation planning practitioners; educators and researchers; and professionals across a broad spectrum of transportation and planning agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies.