Looking for a more affordable, low-stress, and sustainable way to get to work? UCSF’s vanpool program offers all that, plus reserved parking on campus.
Take a seat in a UCSF vanpool!
The UCSF vanpool program is designed to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation option for UCSF employees and students. Here are some key features and benefits of the program:
- Cost savings: By sharing the ride with others, participants significantly reduce their commuting costs, including fuel, tolls, parking fees, and vehicle depreciation and maintenance.
- Environmental impact: Vanpooling helps to lower the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, which reduces traffic congestion and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Convenience and comfort: UCSF provides well-maintained vans through Commute with Enterprise that are equipped with comfortable seating and amenities. Participants can relax, read, or even catch up on work during the commute.
- Free priority parking: Vanpools receive free parking with a reserved parking spot on-site at UCSF campuses.
- Flexible options: The program offers various routes and schedules to accommodate different work shifts and personal schedules.
- Emergency ride home: Participants in the vanpool program may have access to an emergency ride home service, providing peace of mind in case of unexpected events or emergencies. Read more about the service below.
How does it work?
The UCSF vanpool program, in partnership with Commute with Enterprise, offers a convenient and cost-effective way for groups of 4 or more UCSF employees to commute together. By joining a vanpool, participants can save on fuel costs, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and lower their carbon footprint. The program provides comfortable, well-maintained vans that accommodate groups of 7-15 people, with flexible pick-up and drop-off locations tailored to participants’ needs. Riders are required to join for a minimum of two days a week and all participants are encouraged to drive the vehicle at least once a week. Commute with Enterprise handles all administrative tasks, including insurance, maintenance, and 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring a hassle-free commuting experience.
Watch this video from Commute with Enterprise about How Vanpooling Works for Commuters.
How much does it cost?
Vanpools receive a $250 subsidy per vanpool from UCSF and a $500 subsidy from the MTC. Additional county-specific subsidies are available in Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano. All UCSF vanpools also receive free, reserved parking in UCSF parking garages.
On average, UCSF vanpoolers pay $155 per person per month, or $1,860 a year, though the amount varies by group. This price includes the cost of the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, fuel, tolls, AND parking. Monthly parking alone at UCSF costs $332 a month, or $3,984 a year, even without all the other costs included!
How many people do I need to start a vanpool?
At least 4 riders are needed to start a vanpool. The $500 MTC subsidy is available to any vanpool that has over half of the seats in the vanpool full on average. For instance, if the van has 7 seats, which is the minimum number of seats in an Enterprise vehicle, 3.5 of them must be full on average to be eligible for the funding. As a result, it is important to ensure that there are at least 4 riders signed up to ride in the vanpool most days. It is best to have more than 4 riders signed up for the vanpool to ensure the ridership requirements are met even if someone is out sick or on vacation.
Where do we meet to start our commute?
Commute with Enterprise helps you share a ride with coworkers who live nearby. Your group will determine where to meet to board your vehicle, but we can provide suggestions. We recommend choosing a central location in a safe, well-lit area near public transportation; for instance, at a Park & Ride lot where riders can leave their personal vehicles.
Who drives the vanpool?
We recommend sharing driving duties between the members of your group. That way everyone gets time back to relax or be productive. You can designate different days of the week, being sure to plan ahead and choose a backup driver if a commuter is out on vacation or working from home. Driving duties are decided by each group depending on the interest and qualifications of riders.
Can I leave the vanpool group at any time?
Yes. The vanpool program is a month-to-month commitment. You can cancel at any point with at least 30 days notice.
View more details in our FAQs guide.
Interested in joining the program?
There are a few ways you can join:
Sign up for an existing vanpool.
Log in to MyCommute, enter your start and end locations, and reach out to the vanpool coordinator listed to sign up.
The following groups have seats available:
| Start Location(s) | End Location(s) |
| Concord / Walnut Creek | Mission Bay |
| San Ramon / Walnut Creek | Mission Bay / Parnassus |
| Davis/ Fairfield / Vallejo | Mission Bay |
| Fairfield | Parnassus |
| Pittsburg | Parnassus |
Join the interest list. There are multiple groups that need just one or two more people to get started. New vanpool groups are being created regularly.
Submit this form to be notified if a new vanpool is forming or is created along your route.
Start your own vanpool if you have a group of 4 or more people.
Fill out this form and state that you have a group ready.
Questions?
Please contact commute.concierge@ucsf.edu.
