For many employees across the region, the daily commute is a source of stress, wear and tear on your vehicle, and increased fuel and other transportation costs.
But never fear, an alternative to single-occupancy commuting is available – OKI’s Vanpool Program, designed to make commutes more affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly!
Here’s How Vanpooling Works:
The OKI Vanpool Program helps groups of four or more coworkers who share a similar route and work schedule. Instead of each person relying on their own vehicle, the group rents a fully equipped 7-to-15-passenger vehicle through Commute with Enterprise.
1. Form Your Group:
Find four or more coworkers who share similar work times.
2. Rent a Vehicle:
We will connect you with our representative from Commute with Enterprise for easy set up. OKI provides an $800 monthly subsidy for residents across the eight-county region to offset rental costs. Riders share the rest of the cost.
3. Coordinate the Route:
Group members determine pickup spots, meeting times, and driving responsibilities. Volunteer drivers get limited personal use of the van during evenings and weekends.
4. Commute Month-to-Month:
Riders agree to ride on a month-to-month basis, offering flexible scheduling without being locked-in to a long commitment.
Financial & Environmental Benefits
Vanpooling is advantageous to commuters, employers, and the regional environment:
| Benefit | Impact |
| Cost Savings | The remaining rental fee and fuel costs are split among riders or sometimes covered by employers, which is a great savings compared to single-occupancy driving. |
| Vehicle Maintenance | Keeps thousands of miles off personal vehicles each year, reducing depreciation, insurance costs, and routine maintenance expenses. |
| Air Quality & Traffic | Consolidating several individual drivers into one vehicle directly cuts regional nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions while easing congestion. |
Guaranteed Ride Home
Worried about needing to leave work earlier or later than usual? We have you covered!
Our Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program gives vanpoolers reimbursement for a taxi or public transit up to four times per year. If an unexpected overtime or personal emergency happens, riders can take a taxi or public transit home and receive 80% reimbursement of the fare by submitting their receipt.
By combining subsidies, flexible month-to-month commitments, and the Guaranteed Ride Home safety net, vanpooling offers a practical, cost-saving solution for regional commuters looking to take back their time and save money on the road.
Want to learn more? Visit Rideshare.oki.org.