NJ TRANSIT Van Pool Sponsorship
NJ TRANSIT offers a statewide VAN POOL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM which provides a financial incentive for van pooling in areas where public transportation is neither available nor feasible.

The Van Pool Sponsorship Program is a partnership with van pool providers in New Jersey, and **Greater Mercer TMA (for Mercer County)

Newly forming or existing van pool groups who obtain their vehicles from an approved van pool provider can apply through the TMA for the sponsorship program.

NJ TRANSIT sets sponsorship amounts and requires re-application annually. The application process, along with other minimal reporting requirements, serves to ensure that the van pool group meets eligibility requirements. It also provides summary data which helps New Jersey quantify the travel, congestion and air pollution benefits that van pools are providing.

How Much is Provided?
At present, the Sponsorship program will provide $150.00 per month per van pool group. Van pool groups that take advantage of one of New Jersey's HOV lanes can qualify for a $300.00 monthly subsidy.

Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for sponsorship is based on the following criteria:
 
  1. The van pool must operate as a voluntary commuter rideshare arrangement which provides transportation to a group of individuals traveling directly from their homes to the same geographical area. The transportation must be incidental to the purpose of the driver.

  2. The van pool group must obtain its van from a participating van pool provider on a month-to-month 'driver agreement' basis. The provider takes care of meeting requirements such as $1 million insurance coverage, use of New Jersey 'CV' (commuter van pool) license plates, maintenance procedures and so on.

Are there other requirements?
  • The van pool must have a workplace within the state of New Jersey as its final destination.
  • The van must have a seating capacity of eight to fifteen people, including the driver.
  • The van must not exceed five years of age or 120,000 miles of operation.
  • The van must not duplicate service patterns already offered by public transit bus or train routes.

Why is NJ Transit offering this?
  • To reduce congestion
  • To improve air quality
  • To encourage commuters to choose an alternative to driving alone to work.

Why should you sign up?
  • Save money on your commute.
  • Save money on your auto insurance.
  • Save wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
  • To make commuting more productive and enjoyable.
  • Reduce your driver-related stress and fatigue
  • Do your part to improve air quality.

How do you SIGN UP?
NJ TRANSIT has final authority in approving or disapproving van pool group applications. The present one-sheet application consists of a van pool form for the group and an individual form for each group member to fill out. Newly forming groups may file the application forms with the TMA at the same time that the group is contracting with the van pool provider. A new rider added at a later date must complete and submit an individual application at that time.

For more information or assistance,
please contact Adele Clark at (609) 452-8988.
Updated: 3/01
**Greater Mercer TMA assists NJ TRANSIT with Sponsorship applications for van pools commuting into Mercer County. The TMA's sister organizations, located throughout the state, assist NJ TRANSIT with their respective van pool regions.

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