Hello Vanpoolers,

We hope this message finds you safe and well. As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to affect daily life and work schedules, we will be making a few adjustments to our vanpool program starting in September so that we can continue to provide you with the best possible service during this challenging time.

Starting in September 2020, we will implement the following changes:

• Group ridership requirements will be adjusted to a minimum of three riders. This means each group will need at least one approved driver and two passengers to continue operating in September. Drivers will be required to pay a fare if group size is less than six members.
• Fare credits and waivers will continue through September. We will continue to prorate monthly fares for groups with three or more riding members. Vanpools that do not operate for an entire calendar month will have their fares waived.
• Groups that know they will not be returning to the workplace for an extended period may have the option of pausing their vanpool. This means approved groups will be placed on inactive status until they start commuting again. Groups that are paused will not be required to fold, submit withdrawal forms, make a fare payment, or continue submitting monthly ridership reports.

Groups that are on pause will be required to return their van to Pierce Transit in Lakewood. Vans will be reissued once groups start commuting again. There is no guarantee that groups will be issued the same van.

Please contact us at Vanpool@PierceTransit.org or 253-581-8000 (option 3, then 2) to discuss placing your group on pause.

BACK TO WORK GUIDE

Ready to start commuting again or looking for additional group members? Check out our helpful Back to Work Guide for useful information on returning to the road and finding new group members. Additional resources are available at PierceTransit.org/Vanpool.

MAINTAINING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Your safety is our highest priority. We will continue providing the following services during the COVID-19 response to help keep our vanpoolers safe:

• Disinfecting our fleet of spare vans and vans that come in for service, focusing on “high touch” areas.
• Five vehicle disinfecting sites open daily from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM:

Commerce St & Pacific Ave in Tacoma

Tacoma Community College Transit Center

Tacoma Mall Transit Center

South Hill Mall Transit Center

Lakewood Transit Center

• Cloth face coverings available for pick up at the vanpool office located at 9622 40^th Ave SW in Lakewood, while supplies last. Face coverings are located on the south side of our building in a weatherproof crate near the spare van key box. Use your gate pass to access the lot.

Ultimately, all vanpool participants are responsible for the safety and cleanliness of the van. Implementing the current public health recommendations in your group is highly encouraged, including:

Wearing cloth face coverings Washing your hands often Using hand sanitizer Covering your coughs and sneezes Avoiding close contact with people who are sick Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces Not vanpooling if you feel sick

Please contact us at Vanpool@PierceTransit.org or 253-581-8000 (option 3, then 2) with any questions or concerns. 

Thank you for choosing to commute with Pierce Transit!