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Baltimore Commutes Vanpool Incentive Program

Unlock a New Vanpool Commute and Save!

Vanpools in the Baltimore region now qualify for a $500 monthly incentive through the new Baltimore Commutes Vanpool Incentive Program! This special incentive program is funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and administered by Commuter Connections to encourage Baltimore-area commuters to start or join a vanpool.

Program Eligibility

To qualify, vanpools must:

  • Have a destination in the City of Baltimore, or Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s Counties
  • Have an origin in any of the above locations or anywhere in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware
  • Meet monthly capacity and reporting requirements

Additional rules and restrictions apply, see the full Baltimore Commutes Vanpool Program Participation Guidelines.

Ready to Join or Start a Vanpool?

If you are ready to give commuting by vanpool a try, you’re in the right place! Follow the links below to search for existing vanpools to join or start your own. If you’re not quite ready and just want to learn more, check out our Ridesharing Resources section below.

Looking for a Vanpool to Join?

Our free ridematching platform helps you find vanpools that align with your schedule and connect directly with vanpool coordinators.

If you already have a Commuter Connections account, log in and select the “Find Ridematches” link from the menu to start searching.

Search for Vanpools to Join!

If you don’t already have a Commuter Connections account, click the button below to set up your free account, then select “Find Ridematches” to create your search profile.

Create Your Free Account!

If you need help accessing your account or adjusting your search criteria, contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).

Ready to Start a Vanpool?

If you have at least four other colleagues ready to get a vanpool going or you’re an employer ready to start a vanpool program, select the button below to schedule a meeting!

We’ll walk you through our official onboarding process – all participants will also need to sign our Participation Guidelines and attend a brief orientation to understand what is expected for monthly trip logging and participation in order to continue receiving the $500 monthly subsidy.

Schedule Time to Meet with Us!

Current Authorized Vanpool Vendors

Vanpool vendors/operators must have a contract in place with Commuter Connections in order to participate in the Baltimore Commute Vanpool Program. Current authorized vanpool providers:

  • Commute with Enterprise

Interested in becoming an authorized vanpool provider? Contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).

four people getting into a minivan to vanpool

Learn More About Vanpooling

Vanpooling is an important and economical option compared to driving alone; it is ideal for individuals commuting long distances with similar, consistent schedules, although flexible vanpool options can help fill seats and keep costs low for everyone. Employers may also provide up to $325 in tax-free transportation benefits each month to employees who vanpool, and Maryland employers may qualify for the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit for offering vanpool subsidies.

What is Vanpooling?

Vanpools are typically leased vans or SUVs with that seat 7 to 15 people (including the driver). Participants split the monthly lease cost, and they may split driving responsibilities evenly or designate a few members to be regular drivers. Vanpool groups usually meet at a central location like a Park and Ride lot. Vanpools are most cost effective when they cover longer distances (15+ miles) and maximize capacity. Flexible vanpool models also permit occasional riders to join a vanpool group.

Vanpools are treated as public transit for tax purposes and employers may offer a tax-free benefit to employees up to the allowable federal limit ($325 per month). Maryland employers may also benefit from the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit by providing subsidies to their employees for vanpool costs. Talk to your employer about setting up these commuter benefits!

Type of Vanpools

There are three kinds of vanpool arrangements:

  • Owner-operated vans
    An individual leases or purchases a van and operates the van independently. Riders generally meet at a central location and pay the owner a set monthly fee.
  • Third-party vans
    A vanpool “vendor” leases the vanpool vehicle for a monthly fee that includes the vehicle operating cost, insurance, and maintenance. The vendor can contract directly with one or more employees. The monthly lease fee is paid by the group of riders.
  • Employer-provided vans
    The employer (or a group of employers) buys or leases vans for employees’ commute use. The employer organizes the vanpool riders and insures and maintains the vehicles. The employer may charge a fee to ride in the van or subsidize the service. Check with your company’s Human Resources department.

Advantages of Vanpooling

Some of the overall advantages of vanpooling include the following:

  • Less stress commuting to and from work
  • Financial savings due to shared commuting costs (Calculate your savings)
  • Reduces need for parking
  • Increases free time for riders
  • If an HOV lane is available, trips may take less time
  • Reduces pollution due to auto emissions
  • Eligibility to receive up to $325 per month in tax-free transportation benefits from your employer
  • Maryland employers who offer subsidies to their employees for vanpooling may qualify to claim 50% of their costs (up to $1,200 per employee per year) through the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit.
Flexible Vanpooling Program
Read More

Ridesharing Resources

Additional Vanpool Program Contacts

Looking for additional support to get a vanpool going in your workplace or community? Want to know more about tax credits and financial benefits? Contact the MDOT Commuter Choice Maryland program or any of the Baltimore-area commuter programs:

Commuter Choice Maryland (MDOT)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-865-1100

Website: commuterchoicemaryland.com

Anne Arundel County Commuter Crew

Baltimore City iRide

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 667-203-1800

Website: streetsofbaltimore.com/iride

Baltimore County and Carroll County GoSmart Maryland

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-732-6000

Website: gosmartmd.com

Harford County CommuteSmart

Howard County GoHoward

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-313-3130

Website: gohoward.org

cars parked in a park & ride lot

Park and Ride Lots in the Baltimore/Metropolitan Washington Regions

Designated lots where commuters can conveniently bike, walk, or drive to and join up with carpools/vanpools or gain access to public transit.

Learn More
HOV lane highway sign

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

HOV lanes are reserved for carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles during designated time periods.

Baltimore region HOV lane information:

MDOT HOV Info

Washington, DC region HOV lane information:

DC HOV Info
GRH Image Feb 2025

Guaranteed Ride Home

Provides commuters with a FREE and reliable ride home when unexpected emergencies arise.

Learn More

Programs & Incentives for Ridesharing

'Pool Rewards

Designed to encourage commuters driving alone to and from work to start ridesharing in the Washington Metropolitan region.

Information & Guidelines

Carpool Now

An app you can use anytime to find and schedule rides and connect with commuters just like you, going your way. It’s free, and it saves you money on every commute.

Information & Guidelines
four people getting into a minivan to vanpool

Flexible Vanpool

Helps Vanpool Operators and Coordinators advertise open seats in their vanpool(s) to the public!

Information & Guidelines