Operators put support for casual vanpools/part-time riders atop wish list
In this era of high gas prices and increased traffic congestion, vanpooling has emerged as an attractive commuting option for a growing number of Americans. Vanpools are a comfortable, cost-effective, and convenient way for groups of seven to 15 people to share a ride to work.
Avego recently conducted a wide-ranging survey of vanpool programs throughout the United States and Canada. The survey focused on ambition and growth, marketing practices, major operating metrics, desired innovations, and NTD processes.
The survey was distributed to approximately 150 people at organizations with vanpool programs, and received 36 completed surveys.
Some of the headline findings from the survey:
- The outlook for the next three years is generally positive, with 60% of respondents expecting growth of at least 15% over the period.
- Growth is expected to be driven by high gas prices, more widespread use of the Commuter Tax Benefit, increased awareness of the benefits of vanpooling, and technology innovations that make it easier and more convenient to vanpool.
- The overwhelming majority of programs (83%) collect NTD data, but methods are mixed. About 60% of respondents use some combination of paper and/or sample-based methods.
- Better systems for fare collection and NTD reporting, more support for part-time ridership, and on-board Wi-Fi lead the way in terms of desired innovations
The full Avego Vanpool Survey findings are available for FREE download here.