Thursday, March 28, 2024
Home » News » Local News » New CATA Partnership Aims to Expand Vanpool Program

New CATA Partnership Aims to Expand Vanpool Program

Communal transportation in the Centre Region will receive a major boost through a new partnership between the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) and North America’s largest vanpool provider.

CATA announced on Tuesday that it is integrating Commute with Enterprise into its existing vanpool program, CATA Commute. The partnership is expected to expand vanpool efforts in the area by improving the service’s flexibility, technology and convenience.

“Our new partnership with Commute with Enterprise allows CATA to continue to support vanpooling as a mobility option while tapping into better technology, as well as more convenient options for the participants while assisting with the cost for qualifying participants,” said Louwana Oliva, CATA’s executive director and CEO.

In essence, the CATA Commute program connects employees who live near each other and provides them with a high-capacity vehicle, such as a recent-model van or SUV, that helps them commute to and from work. Participants are matched based on their work schedules and proximity to one another.

Once four or more participants are matched together, representatives from Commute with Enterprise begin ironing out the details, starting with providing a vehicle that can accommodate up to 15 passengers, as well as coverage for insurance, vehicle maintenance and ongoing support. Participants can choose between several qualifying vanpool vehicles in Enterprise’s selection, including crossovers, SUVs, minivans and large passenger vans. Vehicles can also come with additional features, including satellite radio and in-vehicle Wi-Fi service.

CATA’s expanded vanpool service will be partially subsidized using state and federal funds, according to a news release. The remaining costs are split between employers and participants. Each rider will pay a set monthly fee while using the program.

Eligible vanpools can receive up to $350 in monthly subsidies per vehicle from CATA, according to the program’s website.

CATA previously operated its vanpool program independently but sought a partner as operational costs mounted, the organization said in a statement. Working with Commute with Enterprise is expected to help CATA manage constraints on vehicle availability, improve program metrics and “build the program back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond.”

Vanpooling, essentially carpooling on a larger scale, is considered the safest mode of public transportation in the country, according to a 2014 report from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its benefits include reduced travel costs, shorter commutes and reduced congestion and wear on public roads.

Those interested in using CATA’s reworked vanpool program should visit its updated website. Questions and concerns should be emailed to representatives at CATA or Commute with Enterprise.