The GWRideConnect Program is excited to announce the creation of a NEW vanpool assistance pilot program that has been specifically designed to help vanpools fill empty seats with riders who are new to vanpooling and can commit to vanpooling at least 10 days per month.  This program is available to qualifying vanpools that originate in the George Washington Regional Commission planning district in Virginia which includes the City of Fredericksburg, and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

This pilot program has been designed by GWRideConnect, who will also administer the program.  For vanpools looking for further details, please visit the GWRideConnect website, https://www.gwrideconnect.org/for-vanpools.  The program requirements, terms and conditions, and application are available on the website.

“This program is different from anything we have done before and we are very excited about it”, said Kim Mitchell, GWRideConnect Support and Outreach Coordinator.  “This program is better suited to help vanpools after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

When asked how a Commuter could participate in the program, Ms. Mitchell said, “The assistance is for vanpools, but it is designed to also help commuters.  A commuter new to vanpooling, or returning after a long absence, could ride for free or a reduced rate for up to 3 months!”  If a commuter is interested in joining a vanpool in the program, they are encouraged to call the commuter assistance line at 540-373-POOL (7665).  GWRideConnect also supports the Commute!VA application where all commuters in our region can earn rewards for not driving alone whether they take vanpools, carpools, VRE, buses, slugging, or telework.

GWRideConnect is also hosting a vanpool workshop on March 7^th, 2023, at the George Washington Regional Commission building located in Fredericksburg, VA.  The new vanpool assistance program will be discussed in detail at this event.

In August 2022, GWRideConnect conducted a survey of slugging in the George Washington Region, Planning District 16.  Slugging, also known as casual or instant carpooling, is when a driver picks up non-paying passenger(s) at a specific pickup location and drops the passenger(s) off at an existing drop-off location that is agreed upon before the rider enters the vehicle. Slugging is an effective form of ridesharing that reduces vehicle miles travelled (VMT’s). Slugging began in this area in the 1970’s.

While the numbers are not what they were pre-COVID, Stafford County’s Staffordboro Park and Ride Lot located off Route 610 logged substantial participation.  They surveyors counted 289 riders (slugs) that were picked up by 153 cars on Tuesday, August 9, 2022.  The full report can be read here:  https://www.gwrideconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Slug-Survey-2022-Final-Report.pdf