For UCSF employees facing long commutes and limited parking, the UCSF Vanpool program is proving to be a game-changer. Just ask Lina Mendez, Executive Director of the Resource Centers for Climate and Belonging, who made the switch from solo driving to vanpooling in December—and hasn’t looked back since.
"I first heard about the program at an orientation event in October. I was tabling next to the vanpool team and thought, ‘Wait a minute, there’s a vanpool? Let me sign up!’" Mendez recalled.
Saving Time and Building Community
After gathering enough participants, her vanpool launched just two months later.
Mendez, who commutes from Vacaville to UCSF Parnassus Heights, was spending nearly two hours on the road each way, racking up fuel costs, tolls, and parking fees. Now, she enjoys a more efficient and community-oriented ride, sharing the journey with UCSF colleagues from Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo, and Davis.
"At first, it takes some time to find the right synergy and communication," she admitted. "But once you do, it’s amazing. I’ve met people from different departments I never would have crossed paths with otherwise.”
A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Choice
Beyond camaraderie, vanpooling offers financial and environmental benefits. Riders rotate driving responsibilities, reducing wear and tear on personal vehicles while cutting fuel costs. Additionally, UCSF’s partnership with Enterprise provides a van and a shared fuel card, making the program both convenient and cost-effective.
It’s a no-brainer," Mendez said. "You save money, you get to use the carpool lane, and you reduce your carbon footprint—all while making your commute more enjoyable.
Thinking About Vanpooling?
For employees on the fence about joining a vanpool, Mendez offered this advice: "It’s like finding a therapist—you have to find the right group. Give it a month or two, and you might be surprised how much you love it."
With UCSF’s parking space at a premium and commuting times only growing longer, the vanpool program presents an appealing alternative.
See the current openings or start your own vanpool
