Vanpool

Updated: February 1, 2021

This web page is a starting point to help you move around your neighborhood and across the Duwamish.Additional resources will be added throughout the closure of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge. For specific questions contact Stefan Winkler at stefan.winkler@seattle.gov and (206) 580-9118, or the Metro Vanpool team at vanpool@kingcounty.gov and (206) 625-4500.

If you're looking to shorten your commute via access to the Spokane St. Swing Bridge (Low Bridge), consider joining a vanpool group or start your own. King County Metro's Vanpool Program is prepared to help you get to and from work and stay healthy on your commute. They support social distancing through fewer riders per van, flexible schedules, and provide all vanpools with public health recommendations.

Join a vanpool today to share the responsibility of driving, save money, and improve your commute. The free ride-matching website RideshareOnline.com is another option-you can find a ride or, if you're driving your vehicle, you can find passengers. If you are a business owner or manager, in addition to promoting these resources, you can explore ORCA For Business, which includes an option that includes full reimbursement for employees using Vanpool.

Signup for Two Months of Free Vanpooling

Metro is offering people commuting to and from West Seattle the opportunity to get the first two months of vanpooling for free from January 4 to March 31, 2021 if you start a new Metro Vanpool with two or more commuters! Commuters can be neighbors, co-workers or other people who live and work near you. See this SDOT blog post from January 4 for more details.

Benefits

Van Rideshare with the people you know: neighbors, coworkers, family members.

Schedule Enjoy flexibility with reduced or alternating schedules. Request a free bike rack to combine biking with your vanpool commute.

Social Distance Temporarily form a vanpool with just 2+ participants for a minivan and 3+ for larger vans.

Thumbs up Create your Vanpool's own shared agreements. Metro will support vanpool participants with guidance on things like meeting points, routes, and work schedules.

umbrella King County Metro provides the following for one low monthly fare: van, gas, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and another ride in case of an emergency.

Stay Safe

Mask Wear your mask or face covering; it's required to ride! Stay home if sick.

Disinfect Spray Wipe down commonly touched surfaces between trips; practice good hand hygiene.

Repair Use Metro's no-contact, van maintenance to keep your van running smoothly, as needed.

Social Distance Leave as much distance as possible between drivers and riders.

Circulation Keep the windows cracked or down to increase airflow when conditions allow.