Learn About Vanpooling
Vanpooling in an alternative form of transportation available to all UCR faculty, staff and currently enrolled UCR students. UCR Partners with Commute with Enterprise to provide vanpool services to commuters living within close proximity of each other and allows them to share the ride to and from the UCR campus. Vanpooling can save you money, reduce wear and tear on your personal vehicle, reduce commute time, help keep the air we breathe cleaner, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce both traffic and parking congestion.
UC Riverside’s vanpools are owned and operated by Commute with Enterprise. The Vanpool Program is a self-supporting operation; vanpool participants fund all operating costs including vehicle lease costs and fuel. Monthly lease fares are designated by Commute with Enterprise and are calculated based on the vehicle type, miles travelled, and number of occupants.
Vanpools run daily (except weekends and holidays) and travel to campus once in the morning and return home once in the evening. Passengers pay a flat monthly rate. The more you ride, the more you benefit.
Vanpools start-ups must have a minimum of five people and requires at least one primary driver and a vanpool coordinator. Drivers must be at least 25 years old with a good driving record.
Interested in joining or starting a new vanpool? Go to Commute with Enterprise and click on "Join Commute". Enter your commute data (home/work address and your normal work hours). If there is a match, Commute with Enterprise staff will put you in touch with the Vanpool Coordinator. If there is no match, complete the form anyway to be added to an interest list and be notified when they find matches.
All participants must read the UCR Vanpool Guidelines and sign the Payment Authorization Form in order to participate in the program.
Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Students must enroll in R'Commute (Alternative Transportation Program) to receive incentives. Undergraduates must request their incentives through the Transportation Services office.
Complimentary Parking Privileges
Vanpool Riders enrolled in the R'Commute Program who do not possess a valid Red, Blue, or Gold parking permit, are eligible to receive a complimentary parking allotment for days they cannot commute in a Vanpool vehicle. Eligible registered vanpool riders will receive a complimentary Blue 10-pack parking permit each quarter. Actual allotments provided are dependent on enrollment dates and are prorated. 10-pack permits roll-over each quarter, however they expire at the end of the fiscal year on June 30th.
Learn more about the Program Rules & Eligibility.
Take the worry out of ridesharing. Faculty or staff enrolled in the Vanpool Program are eligible to participate in the Regional Guaranteed Ride Home Program offered through IE Commuter. The program reimburses you for up to two emergency rides per year when using Lyft, Taxi, or Uber to get home in an emergency. The program is intended for personal and family emergencies or unscheduled overtime at the request of your supervisor. It is not available for rides to work, scheduled appointments or planned overtime.
For complete program rules go to IE511.org
To arrange for an Emergency Ride Home:
- Arrange your own ride home via Lyft, Uber, Taxi, or other such ride-hailing services.
- Save receipt(s). A 15% tip is allowed for reimbursement.
- Complete IE Commuter’s required Reimbursement Claim Form and scan/email to TAPS at alttransportation@ucr.edu to verify and provide the employer representative signature.
- TAPS will return to you the signed form along with a blank W9 which is required from IE Commuter to cut a check.
- Complete the W9 and submit along with the signed Reimbursement Claim Form directly to IE Commuter for reimbursement. You will be provided their address, email and phone number.
- You are allowed up to two emergency rides each fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
For further details, call Transportation Services at (951) 827-8277.
