MDOT Announces 200th MichiVan Vanpool in Michigan

TROY, Mich., Feb. 1, 2007 -- On Monday, February 5, the MichiVan Vanpool Program will deliver its 200th operating commuter van in Michigan. The program has been growing steadily since 1980, when the Michigan Department of Transportation first partnered with VPSI, Inc. to offer MichiVan commuter vanpools throughout the state.

Tom McLaren, the primary driver of the vanpool, along with the other five passengers, is scheduled to receive the keys to the vehicle at 1:30 pm at the Warren City Hall in Warren, Michigan. The event will feature guest speakers, such as Warren City Mayor Mark A. Steenbergh; Jackie Shinn, MDOT's Chief Deputy Director; Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Austin, Commander, United States Army Garrison - Detroit Arsenal; and Larry Swart, Manager of the MichiVan Vanpool Program.

"Today, in our 21st century world of fluctuating gasoline prices, busy highways and costly parking, it's good to know there are cost effective alternatives for commuters," said Jackie Shinn, MDOT chief deputy director. "The 1,600 people served by commuter vans each day means there are fewer vehicles on Michigan roads and highways. This is good for the environment and reduces emissions in the air we breathe."

Vanpooling with MichiVan is a cost effective alternative for commuters, who enjoy the convenience of sharing a ride to work together in a friendly environment. Vanpoolers arrive at work safe, on time and relaxed. The MichiVan Vanpool Program is operated by VPSI, Inc., the nation's largest vanpool services provider. MichiVan offers several styles of vanpool vehicles accommodating groups of 5 to 15 passengers.

Established in 1977 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, VPSI operates a fleet of over 4,000 vehicles throughout the United States and Europe. With offices in more than 25 major cities, VPSI has the resources to organize cost saving vanpools almost anywhere in the country. For more information on the MichiVan Vanpooling Program, visit www.michivan.com or call 1-800-VAN-RIDE.

Maps to the event available at: http://www.vpsiinc.com/home/submenu.asp?MMID=4&SMID=47&OID=27