Metro seeks to relaunch regional vanpools with $3 million ODOT subsidy; program to start summer outreach

Marne Duke, commute program coordinator for Metro's Regional Travel Options program, told the C4 subcommittee that the agency is developing a regional vanpool action plan that would leverage an ODOT commitment of about $3 million contracted to Commute with Enterprise to operate vanpools and provide subsidies.

"ODOT has a little over three million dedicated to supporting vanpooling," Duke said, noting the contract is currently three years with a potential extension to five. She said the contracted service will be turnkey — the vendor will own, maintain and insure vehicles and provide customer service — and that the ODOT funds will cover operating costs including fuel and maintenance.

Duke emphasized that a vanpool is an FTA‑recognized transit mode and that subsidies can make vanpools affordable for riders; she said the ODOT funding should support about 150 vanpools running multiple days per week for the three‑year period. Metro plans a public comment period and survey in July, employer engagement starting by August, and formation of a regional working group in late 2026 to develop a long‑term governance and funding model for vanpools after ODOT funding ends.

Officials asked for clarifications about vehicle ownership, driver vetting and administrative costs; Duke said the ODOT contract with Commute with Enterprise covers vehicle ownership, insurance and a turnkey operator model, and that drivers will be trained and vetted through background checks. Administrative tasks such as regional marketing and partner support will be provided by Metro and its partners.

Next steps: Metro will publish the draft action plan and open a public comment period in July, provide marketing materials for partners, and start employer outreach and targeted recruitment as early as August.