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FAQHere are some frequently asked questions about the Berkeley/Palo Alto Van Pool:Q: What If I only want to ride the vanpool part of the time (just in the mornings, or only 2-3 days per week? Is there a special rate for this? Can I pay half price?''A: The vanpool operates on a subscriber basis because of the set costs and participatory requirements involved in keeping the vanpool operational. Each person buys a full-time seat on a month-to-month basis.Q: How can I find out when there will be an empty seat so I can ride standby? I'd hate to show up at the vanpool spot and find out that no seats area available.''A: We cannot accurately predict in advance the number of vacant seats, nor the number subscribers who will be absent, nor the number of standby riders who will show up. The number of available seats is equal to the number of vanpool subscribers. This is not a shuttle service, just a group of people who commute together.Q: My work location does not fit exactly with the vanpool route map. How flexible are you with the route?A: Many of our members use the free Marguerite Shuttle or a bicycle to travel between the vanpool spot and their work destination. Our commute schedule has very slim margins and It is important not to increase our travel time. We sometimes adjust our route based on traffic, and cannot commit to additional stops between Ashby BART and the Stanford campus.Q: My work schedule does not fit exactly with the vanpool schedule. How flexible are the times?A: Sorry, the departure schedules are not flexible at this time.Q: Where do people park their cars at the Berkeley meeting place?A: We meet at the Ashby BART station. This station is now charging for parking, but at our early departure time there is generally ample street parking available. Take care to read signs that restrict parking for street sweeping or residential parking permit requirements.Q: I would prefer not to be a driver of the van. Is driving required or optional?''A: The vanpool relies on a teamwork approach to driving in order to be operational. Vanpool subscribers are expected to become certified by Enterprise to drive the van and take a turn in the driving rotation, and drive in a safe manner. 3 or 4 days per month of driving is typical.Q: Who runs the vanpool?A: It is run collectively by all of our members, a.k.a. "subscribers." The van is leased from Enterprise vanpool, and the fees are based solely on operational costs -- the vanpool lease (includes insurance, repair, and mechanical maintenance) + gas + bridge tolls + driver credits ($10 per driving day) + small incidentals such as visits to the car wash. |