U-PASS Profiles
Vanpooling: Profile
(originally published in the Winter 2003 U-Commute News)
Craig Clements, HVAC Control Technician
Craig Clements, HVAC Control Technician, has been commuting to UW by vanpool from Mill Creek since 1978, a total of 24 years running. The vanpool group has enjoyed great stability and has had only five drivers over its many years of operation. Not only has the van provided a convenient transportation optionÑit has evolved a sense of being a second family. Craig has spent an estimated 6,000 hours with his commute community, covering mileage equivalent to a trip from the earth to the moon.
The group has had the opportunity to get to know one another well and share their interests and talents. Craig has kept everyone informed about weekend garage sales and weather reports, offered expert advice on pruning plants, and steered the group to back roads to maneuver around accidents. While the transit agencies arrange for regular van maintenance and repair, Craig has occasionally helped out with his fix-it talents. One time the van was spewing antifreeze. Craig diagnosed it as a leak next to a clamp, "I was able to use my Swiss army knife to cut the hose and engineer a temporary fix that held until the group arrived at UW."
Vanpooling grew out of the alternative transportation movement of the late 1970's and early 1980's, based on concerns about the environment, scarce oil resources, and highway congestion. It can be an excellent commute choice for students, staff or faculty who live ten or more miles away. Participants commute in a van that is owned, maintained and insured by a transit agency, with the U-PASS covering up to $40 of the monthly fare of each vanpooler. The monthly fare is based on the distance traveled, the size of the van and the number of passengers. UW has vanpool contracts with Metro, Community Transit, and Island Transit.
In addition to the cost savings and decrease in stress, vanpool commuting offers a lot of flexibility. Some people ride in with one van and leave with another or ride the bus home. Individual Commuter Tickets discounted through the U-PASS provide an option for occasionally driving alone. Like other faculty and staff U-PASS holders, vanpool riders can rely on the Reimbursed Ride Home program in emergencies.
Over the years, Craig's vanpool group has shared many experiences. Craig recalls the time when he and his vanpool partners made a trip through a drive-thru to pick up a Beanie Baby for one of the riders. He also reflects on the occasion when the group shared donuts on the way in and enjoyed a few extra calories contributed by a fellow rider whose wife was a professional baker. "This is what you'd miss by driving your car to work by yourself," comments fellow vanpool commuter Diane Anderson.
Craig's Tips to Vanpooling:
- Be on time - Nobody likes to wait.
- Be patient - Sometimes you have to wait.
- Be flexible - Sometimes things change.
- Have an open mind - We can learn a lot from each other.
- Enjoy the extra stress-free time and the money you save by vanpooling.
