Impacts of Vanpooling in Pennsylvania and Southwestern Pennsylvania and Future Opportunities

Objective: The objective of this work is to analyze the current conditions for vanpooling in Pennsylvania with an emphasis on Southwestern Pennsylvania, review the current programs of Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and other vanpooling operations, and develop a model for an expansion of vanpooling programs. In addition, we will assess the vanpooling options today and what new options can be developed under different funding and agency scenarios. Vanpooling offers a low-cost alternative transportation option for many commuters. Vanpools typically carry 7-15 passengers. Their flexibility, convenience, relative cost advantage, and contribution to reducing traffic congestion make vanpooling programs increasingly popular. Vanpooling is increasing today with fuel prices. The number of vanpools in the country declined from 15,000 in 1980 to 8,500 in 1999 and now is well over 10,000 again. This study will examine vanpooling options and promotion of vanpooling by Pennsylvania and PennDOT. We will focus on Pennsylvania and on Southwestern Pennsylvania and its 10-county region, analyzing vanpooling in the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) area, but will also examine other parts of the state, including rural areas.