Research

Study May Help Revive Vanpooling

Based on interest in vanpooling, high gas prices and an evolution in demographics and business in North Dakota, the UGPTI's Small Urban & Rural Transit Center has recommended the reestablishment of a commuter vanpool program in the state on a three-year trial basis.

The recommendation was the result of a study conducted by SURTC with the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The study recommends using federal funds for the trial period. That period would help state officials determine whether or not vanpools are needed and wanted in North Dakota, and whether or not the service should continue. SURTC recommends setting a goal of establishing 10 vanpools per year during each year of the trial period. Additional recommendations focus on incentives to attract and retain drivers and riders. Estimated cost over the three-year period is approximately $500,000.

Vanpool programs previously existed in the state, but have largely disappeared. "We've looked at how this concept has changed since North Dakota last had an aggressive program in the late '70s and early '80s," says Jon Mielke, the SURTC researcher leading the project.

Today there are federal incentives for vanpooling programs, including funds from the Federal Highway Administration for no-interest loans for purchasing vans. Tax law has changed to allow employees to use pre-tax flexible spending accounts for transit expenses.

"The economic landscape of North Dakota has changed as well," Mielke notes. "We have major employers like Pro-Gold, Dakota Growers Pasta, Marvin Windows and others that have facilities located in relatively small communities that draw employees from a large surrounding area. We also have employees choosing to live in rural areas and commute to larger communities for employment. Those factors lend themselves to ride sharing."

To encourage riders to join the vanpool, the program will provide cost-effective, comfortable and safe rides, drivers trained in defensive driving and a guaranteed ride home program.

The study surveyed employers across the state to learn about employment trends and employer attitudes toward ride sharing. In addition, researchers surveyed employees to assess their openness to ride sharing. SURTC staff also met with representatives from agencies that could provide additional incentives for vanpooling.

Mielke managed the North Dakota DOT's vanpooling program in 1979 and 1980. "I went to the Department of Commerce and asked if there was interest in and incentives for vanpooling in the state. It turns out that, yes, there is interest and there are more incentives than there used to be."

The study also analyzed 15 vanpool programs that are operated by state and local entities around the country. Drawing from the most attractive features of those programs, the study presented a set of recommendations that may be considered if North Dakota decides to reinstitute a state commuter vanpool program. A copy of the final report is available at www.surtc.org/research/vanpool.php.

SURTC Helps NDDOT Evaluate Requirements

SURTC is helping NDDOT develop a matrix to be used to compare State Management Plans used by other states in the region. "Each state has its own set of regulations on top of the federal regulations," explains Dustin Ulmer, the SURTC research assistant working on the project. The matrix will help NDDOT look at its requirements and compare them to those of surrounding states.

Ulmer says over the years changes and updates to requirements have resulted in a more complex set of regulations than necessary. This effort, expected to be complete by the end of the summer, should result in a new State Management Plan which will provide a clear set of instructions for the transit providers in the state of North Dakota.