Testimonials
Here's what other VA commuters are saying about vRide:
The VA Vanpool started in September 2010 here in Viera, FL and we are very excited to have this program. It has opened over 30 parking spots in our very crowded parking area. We currently have four vans and are looking to expand on that number very shortly. Our employees are commuting in the vans at no cost by participating in the Federal Workforce Transportation Benefit Program. It has greatly reduced expenses normally used for gas, wear and tear, and insurance for our personal vehicles. This is also making a difference in our environment.
Our vRide representatives were very knowledgeable in assisting our efforts to introduce the program to our clinic. The transit manager at headquarters in Washington DC was also very helpful and willing to help in our endeavor.
Thank you to all for the wonderful teamwork.
Connie McKeever, Dental Assistant/Transit Manager, Viera Outpatient Clinic
Our VA vanpool started six years ago. Five brave souls willing to try giving up the independence of our personal vehicles and share a ride with strangers, in an effort to save money. Word spread through the VA hospital where we worked and our eight passenger van was soon full.
We started an alternate rider list, calling the alternates when one of the regular riders was on vacation or sick leave. The waiting list grew and our vanpool separated into two vanpools. Over the next six years our vanpool was responsible for helping to start six other vanpools through word of mouth. The original three vanpools at our VA has expanded to 22 and is growing.
We commute 40 miles each way to Tampa, FL and save a significant amount of money monthly for the cost of gas, wear and tear on our vehicles, and lower insurance rates. We now have no parking issues, with curbside drop off and pick-up, which is really wonderful during inclement weather. We enjoy stimulating conversations, and networking that helps us keep up with the hospital news, job openings, and changes.
It has been a lifesaver for several of our riders in the past. Due to injuries, they were unable to drive themselves to work, so they were very thankful to have the vanpool. We also have time to sleep (several riders have their blankets and pillows stored under their seats), read (we trade newspapers, magazines, and books when we’re finished reading them), talk on our cell phones or listen to iPods. The commuting time doesn’t seem wasted when we don’t have to focus on the traffic and can enjoy our personal time in the van.
We have seen so many people come and go through job changes, moves and retirements. We've made many friends through the years that we would otherwise never have met. We've shared happy events and sad news with each other. We help solve problems and share ideas. We are there to be a sounding board after a frustrating day. What is said in the van, stays in the van. We have become a family for the one hour trip each way.
Cheryl Tyler, Information Security Officer, James A. Haley Veterans Medical Center
I have been utilizing and managing a vanpool for 4.5 years, and although I have enjoyed the savings it allowed me in gas costs as well as wear and tear on my own car, I did not enjoy the paperwork (people had to sign in and out of the van everyday), nor the ever increasing restrictions being implemented by the local Transit Authority (idling restrictions when warming up the vehicle in the winter and here in Utah you need to warm up these big vans before you hit the road to defrost the windows and get some heat inside, electronic monitoring of vehicles, complaint system with no avenue of redress for the van driver, etc).
I was always made to feel like they were doing me a favor by letting me use one of their vans even though I was paying for it, and if I did anything wrong (or even if someone thought I did something wrong) that I would lose the van immediately.
When I discovered vRide was available in our area, and that the local manager, Scott Miklos, was someone that I personally knew and trusted as a person of integrity I investigated their program and found that it fit well within my needs and means so I signed up and dropped my other van. I, along with my riders, have been pleasantly surprised at how simple their program is and how friendly this company is towards their customers. The vans are newer, there are no hassles, much less paperwork, and we are even getting a brand new 2011 van in a few weeks.
Thank you vRide for coming to our rescue!
Kevin Foster, Management Analyst, Salt Lake City VA Regional Office
What a wonderful experience it is to ride in the vanpool. We have a stress free ride to and from work; we’re helping the environment by having less vehicles on the road, saving money due to high costs of gasoline, and also saving wear and tear on our personal vehicles.
Nancy D. Gibson, Secretary, Social Work Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
This program started as a way to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, but also serve our veterans better due to the increased demand for parking spaces. It was a win-win-win situation for everyone: employer, employees, and our veterans. With the mass transit benefit, our employees pay a minimal cost or nothing when they are in the program. Together, we are contributing to the environment and serving our nation’s heroes.
Ray A. Glover, Former Transit Benefit Coordinator, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
vRide, Inc.
1-800-VAN-RIDE
1220 Rankin Drive
Troy, MI 48083
Click here for more information
