Transcript Key Considerations

CTAA Vanpool Webinar
(March 23, 2010)
Shamus Misek
Washington Department of
Transportation
Vanpool Related Experience
• Developed, Implemented & Managed Pace
Vanpool Incentive Program (1990-2001)
• Manager, Research Transportation Programs
University of Illinois, Chicago (2001-2008)
• Rideshare Program Manager, WSDOT (2009Present)
Washington State Vanpools
• First Public Vanpool in Operation (Commuter
Pool (1979)
• State Vanpool Investment Program (VIP)
– 10 Year $30 million capital program
– Goal – 3,200 vanpools in operation by 2013
Washington State Vanpools (cont)
• 2009-2011 Biennium Budget for Vanpooling
* $7 million
* Capital expenditure & incentives to expand
vanpooling
• To Date (Through January, 2010)
* Vanpools in operation statewide: 2,560
* Average occupancy/van: 8.3
Washington State Vanpools (cont)
• 20 Transit Agencies Operate Vanpool
Programs
• Smallest – Valley Transit
– 3 Vanpools in Operation
• Largest King County Metro
– 950 Vanpools in Operation
– 150 Vanshares
Key Considerations
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Is It Marketable?
Is It Transit?
Is It Cost Effective?
Can It Be Integrated With Other Transit
Offerings?
• Can It Meet Title VI Regulations and NTD
Reporting Requirements?
Funding/Financing Sources Options
• Local Transit Agency Funding (Sales tax, gas tax,
etc.)
• Federal Funding (ISTEA, CMAQ, JARC, New
Freedom, Stimulus (capital), FTA-UZA Formula
Funds)
• State Funding (Capital Purchase, Operations)
Funding/Financing Sources (cont)
• Capital Cost of Contracting (5307 , 5311, or
sections of 5313 (b), 5310 )
• Toll Revenue Credits (Use as Match)
• Advertising Revenue
Operational Considerations
• Internal (In-House)
• External (Turnkey)
* 3rd party private operator (e.g. VPSI or Enterprise)
• Hybrid (Internal with External)
* Internal with outside vendor provided support
Non - Traditional Approaches to
Vanpool Program Management
• Vehicle Procurement, Fleet Maintenance &
Management Handled By A Private Fleet
Leasing/Management Firm
• Van Procurement Bid Award Based on $$
Over/Under Manufacturer Invoice
• Each Rider Receives a Monthly Fare Invoice
Non - Traditional Approaches to
Vanpool Program Management (cont)
• Bill Riders Directly (Internally or Utilize An
Outside Vendor)
• Administer It Like Other Transit Services
(Passes, Electronic
• Payments – Credit/Debit Card, Payroll
Deduction, Etc.)
• Oversight & Control – Establish/Set Rider
Fares, Approve Van Routes, Etc.
Program Management Related
• Fleet Management Company
– Handles Van Maintenance, Billing, Van Repair Cost & Info Data Entry &
Tracking
– Assists Drivers with all (Scheduled/Non-Scheduled) Van Repairs
– Coupon Booklets for Van PMs
– Handles Emergency Roadside Assistance
– Van Procurements
– Accident & Subrogation Management
– Tax Exempt Fuel Cards
– Tax Exempt Maintenance Purchases
– Rental Car/Taxi/Limo Arrangements
– Personal Computer Information System (Vanpool Fleet Maintenance Tracking)
• Van Drive-Away Service to Deliver Loaner Vans
Primary Driver Program Feature
Considerations
• Allow Driver to Purchase Van at Discounted Price at
End of Van’s Useful Life
• Annual Driver Award Brunch
– Honors all Primary Drivers for Their Efforts
– Safe Driving Awards
– Primary/Back-Up Driver of the Year Award
• Driver Personal Miles Related
– 300 miles/month plus 100 buffer miles/month
– Personal miles can be banked up to 500 miles
– 300 bonus miles given at start-of new year
Primary Driver Related Program
Feature Considerations (cont)
• Pays no Fare
• No Responsibility to Collect Fares from Riders
• Comprehensive Support Program
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Insurance
Fuel/Maintenance Cards
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Accident Management
Spare/Loaner Vans
Van Drive Away Service
Annual Van Wash Cards
Tollway Cards/I-Pass Units
Car Rental Service
Rider Related Program Feature
Considerations
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Invoice Riders on a Monthly Basis
Rider Receives a Monthly Vanpool Pass
Annual Rider Fare Discount
Ability to Purchase Discounted Transit Pass
Flexible Monthly Payment Options
– Payroll Deduction
– Debit/Credit Card Payment Option
– Electronic Payment Options
Program Feature Considerations
• Emergency/Guaranteed Ride Home Program
• Bookkeeper (Reward them for doing a good job)
• Bi-Monthly/Quarterly Newsletters to Vanpool
Participant Community
• Early Vanpool Starts
Program Fare Related Feature
Considerations
• Varying Recovery Rates/Rider/Van
• Rider Fare Category Related
• Individual Based (4, 5, 6 … etc.)
• Combination Based (4-5, 6-7, … etc.)
• Reduces Fare Volatility
• Allow/Encourage Employers to Subsidize
• Rider Fares
• Empty Seats
• Maintain Rider Fare Stability
• Meet/Maintain Established Minimum Rider/Van Requirement
Vanpool Van Related
• Minivans (5 Passengers plus Driver)
• Conversion Vans (10 Passengers plus Driver)
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Captain Chairs
Running Boards
Each Seat Has Its Own A/C, Heat and Reading Lights
Window Blinds
• Maxivans (15 Passengers plus Driver)
• After Market Equipment Added to Vans
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Telematics
Fire Extinguishers
Safety Triangle Kits
First Aid Kits
Back-Up Beepers
Cut-Off Switches
Measure/Determine Success and
Address Customer Concerns/Needs
• Utilize Various Feedback Tools
• Conduct Participant Surveys
• Riders
• Drivers
• Conduct Participant Exit Surveys
• Conduct Amenities Surveys
• “Air It Out” Postcards Available on Van
How To Be Successful?
• Once Your “Core “ Program is Operational
Remember to be:
• Be Flexible
• Listen to Your Customer(s)
• Be Creative
• Be Responsive
Other Vanpool Service Related
Applications
• Traditional
• Subscription Shuttle/Feeder Services
• Employer
• Not-For-Profit
• Welfare-to-Work
• Homeless to Work
• Non-Emergency Medical
• ADvAntage
Contact Info
Shamus Misek
Rideshare Program Manager
WSDOT
Public Transportation Division
P. O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 985004-7387
[email protected]
(360) 705-7346