The Council of San Benito County Governments on Thursday will
seek a one-year extension of a $48,519 grant from the Monterey Bay
Unified Air Pollution Control District that would allow more time
to lease three of the four vans purchased for the Vanpool
program.
The Council of San Benito County Governments on Thursday will seek a one-year extension of a $48,519 grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District that would allow more time to lease three of the four vans purchased for the Vanpool program.
Last March, COG received four 2002 Chevrolet Express vans, but only one of the vehicles has been leased by a local commuter group.
“It’s been a little sluggish this last year,” said Transportation Planner Lisa Berg. “Right now, three of the vans are not being used – they’re just sitting here in our yard. Occasionally they get used to provide support to the transit services.”
The extension would allow COG an opportunity to be reimbursed for part of the capital costs to purchase the vehicles. But without a lease agreement on the three unleased vans, COG cannot send the pollution control district an invoice for reimbursement. For the van currently being leased, COG will invoice the district for $12,130.
Berg said COG staff will initiate a promotional campaign aimed at businesses outside San Benito County who are likely to employ county residents who commute to work.
“We’re reorganizing and regrouping to promote these other vehicles to the community,” she said. “We want to see them leased and out there on the road.”
The purpose of the Vanpool program is to decrease traffic congestion and emissions. Each van can carry up to 16 people who split the monthly costs, which amount to about $40 a month per person.
Berg said people should take advantage of the van-leasing program because it will save wear and tear on their own vehicles and possibly commute time because they could use carpool lanes.
COG ran into a snag when the organizer of one Vanpool group that commutes to Morgan Hill was laid off from his job.
“We were finishing up on the insurance when he got laid off. The rest of the group thought it wouldn’t be cost effective and backed out,” Berg said. “We hope our renewed efforts brings us more success than last year.”
If the efforts are not effective, staff will look at reducing the monthly Vanpool fee of $450. Berg said COG could possibly implement an emergency guaranteed-ride-home program to reimburse riders who miss their van pool in case a member needs to work late or needs a ride home early because of illness at work.
“We’re dying to get people in these vans,” Berg said. “Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.”
