Vanpool Subsidy Program

Save up to $500 a month for vanpools traveling to or from San Mateo County.

The San Mateo County Vanpool Subsidy Program helps new (formed after July 1, 2025), qualified vanpools reduce the cost of commuting by providing up to $500 per month towards a leased vanpool vehicle. A vanpool is a shared commuting arrangement where a group of people who live near one another travel together for work. Commuters who are eligible for this benefit must lease a shared vehicle through Commute with Enterprise and be traveling to or from San Mateo County for work.

  • Program Overview

    The San Mateo County Vanpool Subsidy Program aims to increase vanpool use countywide, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and lower out-of-pocket costs for long-distance commuters. Qualified vanpools may receive up to $500 a month:

    • $300 base subsidy
    • $100 bonus for large-capacity vehicles (i.e. Transit vans)
    • $100 bonus for long distance vanpools (averaging 3,000 miles/month)

    Subsidies are available through December 31, 2027 or until funds are exhausted. Eligible vanpools may also receive up to $600 per month from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Bay Area Vanpool Program. Vanpools based outside San Mateo County may also qualify for additional local subsidies.

    Three shuttle vans are parked in a row. Below, people stand outside a building as a group exits a white shuttle van with a logo, highlighting a vanpool or transportation service, possibly linked to a Vanpool Subsidy for commuters.

  • To be eligible for the subsidy, vanpools must meet all of the following criteria:

    • Start or end in San Mateo County
    • Have 6-15 registered participants
    • Be “new” (original lease on or after July 1, 2025)
    • Be open to the public
    • Lease a vehicle from Commute with Enterprise
    • Maintain 50% occupancy each month
    • Submit ridership reports and annual surveys
    • Participate in the MTC Bay Area Vanpool Program

    View program rules here.

    Three friends smiling and laughing together inside a vanpool with a sunroof, viewed from the front seat. The mood is joyful and relaxed, with natural light shining in—perfect for enjoying the benefits of a vanpool subsidy program.

  • For employers interested in offering this benefit to employees, please follow these steps:

    1. Get Started: Submit an interest form
    2. Meet with Commute.org
    3. Connect with Commute with Enterprise
      • Determine the company’s level of investment (if any)
      • Designate an internal program coordinator
      • Complete required agreement
    4. Communicate to employees
      • Host on-site employee info sessions
      • Actively promote the program
    Three smiling people sit in a van with open windows. The text reads, “San Mateo County Vanpool Subsidy Program Interest Form. Save up to $500/month for new vanpools.” Join the Vanpool Subsidy Program and ride together for less!.

  • For commuters interested in receiving this benefit, please follow these steps:

    1. Get Started
      • Submit an interest form
      • Attend a Commute with Enterprise info session
    2. Form a Group: Gather a group of 6+ commuters
    3. Work with Commute with Enterprise
      • Designate 1 vanpool coordinator and 1+ unpaid, licensed driver(s)
      • Complete required agreements before vehicle delivery
      • Enroll in the MTC Bay Area Vanpool Program
      • Receive assistance forming a vanpool, calculating monthly costs, and coordinating vehicle delivery
    4. Apply subsidies and split the cost
      • Apply the San Mateo County Vanpool Program, MTC Bay Area Vanpool Program, and any other applicable subsidies
      • Split the remaining cost among riders, which may be paid using pre-tax commuter benefits

    Watch this video to learn how vanpooling works.

    A ride-sharing app interface showing a white SUV, driver named Sara, a map with route, trip stats—including miles, fuel, and CO2 saved through the Vanpool Program—and buttons to book or see other riders.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Vanpool Basics

What is a vanpool?

A vanpool is a group of 6 to 15 people commuting together in a leased vehicle with an unpaid driver.

How much does a vanpool cost?

Costs vary by vehicle type and the number of participants. Subsidies significantly reduce the monthly lease cost, and remaining costs are split among participants. Riders with employer-sponsored pre-tax commuter benefits programs may use those funds to pay for their share.

What is included in the monthly vanpool cost?

• A recent-model van, SUV, or crossover
• Insurance & physical damage protection
• Comprehensive maintenance program
• 24/7 roadside assistance

Eligibility & Requirements

Who qualifies for this subsidy?

Vanpools that start or end in San Mateo County, have 6-15 participants, lease a vehicle through Commute with Enterprise, and meet MTC program requirements may qualify. See Vanpool Eligibility Requirements for full eligibility criteria.

Do vehicles have to be leased?

Yes. The vehicle must be leased through Commute with Enterprise to qualify for the subsidy.

Does my employer-owned or personal vehicle qualify?

No. Only vehicles leased through Commute with Enterprise are eligible.

What happens if our vanpool drops below 6 participants?

In order to qualify for the subsidy, vanpools must initially register with at least six participants. Vanpools may continue to receive a subsidy if it drops below six participants, as long as a 50% vehicle occupancy is maintained.

Can vanpool participants change over time?

Yes. Vanpool participants may change over time and continue receiving subsidies, as long as the vanpool continues to meet program eligibility requirements, including minimum occupancy and reporting.

What does it mean for a vanpool to be “public”?

Vanpool participation cannot be restricted to a particular employer and must be open to the public.

Subsidy Details

What is the maximum subsidy available?

Eligible vanpools may receive up to $500 per month in San Mateo County Vanpool Program subsidies:
• $300 base subsidy
• $100 bonus for large-capacity vehicles (i.e., Transit vans7+ passenger capacity)
• $100 bonus for long-distance vanpools (vanpools averaging 3,000+ miles per month)
Vanpools participating in the MTC Bay Area Vanpool Program (required) receive a $600 monthly subsidy. Additionally, some vanpools may qualify for subsidies from other sources.

How long does the subsidy last?

Subsidies are available through December 31, 2027, or until program funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Subsidies are provided monthly as long as a vanpool remains eligible and funds are available.

Does an employer have to provide an additional vanpool subsidy?

No, it is not required. All an employer must do is sign an agreement, but offering an additional subsidy to employees is encouraged as a bonus benefit.

What other vanpool subsidies apply if my vanpool originates from a different Bay Area County?

–Contra Costa County: $200/month
–Marin County: $150/month
–Napa County: $250/month
–Solano County: $200/month

What are pre-tax commuter benefits, and can they be used to cover vanpool costs?

Yes. Pre-tax commuter benefits let employees set aside a portion of their paycheck before taxes to cover commute costs and lower overall expenses. If offered by your employer, contact your HR department to confirm eligibility and enroll.

Roles & Responsibilities

Do vanpools need a coordinator and/or driver?

Yes. Each vanpool must designate a coordinator and at least one unpaid, licensed driver. Both parties must complete agreements with Commute with Enterprise before the vehicle is delivered. The coordinator and driver may be the same person.

What are the responsibilities of a coordinator?

A vanpool coordinator serves as the liaison between the vanpool group and Commute with Enterprise. They are responsible for organizing the roster, tracking rides, and managing logistics for the vanpool participants. If a van needs maintenance or routine service, Commute with Enterprise will reach out to the coordinator, though this may be delegated to the designated driver(s).

What are the responsibilities of a driver?

Drivers must be 25 years of age or older and hold a valid driver’s license (can be regular class C). They are responsible for pickup up and dropping off passengers, arranging for van maintenance, and fueling the van.