New Marin Vanpools Can Receive $3,600!

MARIN COUNTY, Calif., Feb. 4, 2009 -- The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and 511 Rideshare announced today that they are offering financial assistance to new vanpools with a Marin County origin or destination, up to $3,600 in cash to motivate Marin County commuters away from solo-driving. 511 Rideshare will administer the TAM-sponsored incentive to eligible vanpools.

With the opening of the new southbound HOV (diamond) lane, Marin County commuters who travel in a vanpool, carpool, Marin Transit or Golden Gate Transit bus will save time along Highway 101. To encourage commuters to use the lane, TAM offers a vanpool incentive that pays up to $3,600 in subsidies to new vans meeting all eligibility requirements. Qualifying vanpools receive funds after successfully completing four to twenty-four consecutive months of operation. The incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, until the funds are depleted.

"This new program is an exciting opportunity for Marin County commuters," said Supervisor Hal Brown, President of the Marin County Board of Supervisors and Member of the TAM Board of Commissioners. "The new Highway 101 carpool lane in Marin will help reduce your commute time while greening your trip. The lane is designed to accommodate vanpools, carpools, Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit busses. We need to be doing more things like this to get people out of their cars. We really want people to try this new program," said Brown.

The new TAM Vanpool Incentive Program is one of several vanpool subsidies that can be combined with other vanpool incentive programs available on 511.org. 511 Rideshare also provides assistance for employers interested in forming vanpools for their employees.

People interested in starting or joining a vanpool can call 511 and say "rideshare" and ask for a vanpool specialist. Or, go to 511.org and click "rideshare" for more information. Additionally, people can visit the TAM website at: www.tam.ca.gov for details.

About 511 Rideshare:

With a RideMatch service database of approximately 12,000 San Francisco Bay Area commuters, 511 Rideshare helps commuters find other drivers to carpool or vanpool together. 511 Rideshare also advises and assists Bay Area companies in planning and formulating customized employer-organized commute programs. Its mission is to reduce traffic congestion, clean the air, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

511 Rideshare is a free Web and phone service funded by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Qualifying carpools can cross Bay Area toll bridges free of charge during commute hours. For more information, visit the Rideshare page at 511.org.

About the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM):

The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is designated as both the congestion management agency and the transportation sales tax authority for Marin County. TAM is a Joint Powers Authority of all eleven cities and towns in Marin County, as well as the county, itself. TAM is responsible for managing a variety of transportation projects and programs in Marin County, receiving federal, state, regional, and local funds. TAM is actively developing commuter assistance programs countywide such as this Vanpool Incentive Program and upcoming Emergency Ride Home and SchoolPool Programs. For more information, visit the TAM website at http://www.tam.ca.gov/.