Introduction
MetroVanPool is the Atlanta operation of VPSI Commuter Vanpools.   MetroVanPool would like to welcome you to Commuter Vanpooling with VPSI.  To help you organize and operate your commuter vanpool, VPSI provides you with this Volunteer Driver Guide.

Be sure your Alternate Drivers read this Guide (or the print version) and understand their responsibilities.  Please scroll down to read or click the Bookmark table below.

Questions
If you have any questions about the vanpool program, please contact your local VPSI Customer Service Center at: 1-800-VAN-RIDE or 770-427-POOL(7665).

Your local VPSI Customer Service Center is open to help you, during normal business hours.
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Implementation
VPSI provides luxurious passenger vans to groups of commuters who choose to participate in a vanpool.

Before you receive the commuter van, you must have completed the following steps:

Attend a briefing conducted by a VPSI representative or agent of VPSI.  The VPSI or agent representative will review the benefits and responsibillities of serving as a Volunteer Driver and Alternate Driver.

	Collect the first month's charges from your passengers.
	Forward to VPSI  the following items:

1. A completed Volunteer Driver Application for all prospective Drivers, including Alternate Drivers.
2. A signed Volunteer Driver Agreement.
3. A signed Alternate Driver Agreement for each Alternate Driver.
4. A cashier's check or money order for the first month's charges (made payable to VPSI, Inc.)

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The Vanpool Passengers and Alternate Drivers share the monthly cost to operate the vanpool.  In most commuter vanpools, the Driver rides free of charge.

The Volunteer Driver and the Alternate Drivers may use the vehicle for personal purposes, as long as such use does not interfere with the daily commute.

VPSI insures the vehicle during the daily commute and during personal use by Volunteer Drivers and Alternate Drivers.

The Volunteer Driver and Alternate Drivers are responsible for the cost of fuel used during personal use.

Spouses
Spouses of Primary Volunteer Drivers may use the van for personal purposes with the prior consent of the Volunteer Driver and VPSI.  A spouse will be required to meet the same qualifications as the Primary Volunteer Driver, including the Motor Vehicle Record check. 

VPSI insures the vehicle during the personal use of the vehicle by Spouses.

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Responsibilities
Volunteer Driver

	Provide a safe, dependable commute by driving defensively.
	Insist that passengers wear seat belts.
	Follow the pick-up and delivery schedule agreed upon by your vanpool group.
	Collect monthly passenger charges and pay VPSI promptly.
	Arrange for scheduled (preventive) maintenance and unscheduled repairs.
	Follow the terms of the Volunteer Driver Agreement
	Clean the van regularly, both inside and out.
	NEVER allow or consent to the unauthorized use of the van.

Vanpool Passengers
Work with the Volunteer Driver and other passengers to recruit passengers to maintain a full van.  The staff of your local VPSI Customer Service Center can help you.

Passengers should:

	Be at their pre-determined pick-up points on time.
	Make their monthly payment on time
	Discuss and agree on rules for smoking, food and music selections, etc.
	Agree to give 30-day notice of their intention to terminate involvement, and
	Wear seat belts.

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Safety
Vanpool safety is a top priority at VPSI

As the Volunteer Driver, you are the most important person in the vanpool group.  Your task is to get your passengers to and from work each day in a safe and efficient manner.

Safe Driving Tips
Each vanpool group will receive a "Safe Driving Tips" brochure.  This booklet provides advice on defensive driving and accident procedures.  All Drivers must read this booklet.

Safety Video
Each vanpool group will receive a copy of VPSI's safety video entitled "The Vanpool Difference."  All approved Drivers and Back-Up Drivers are required to watch the video.

Seat Belts
Every passenger in a VPSI vehicle must wear a seat belt when the vehicle is in motion.

This simple safety precaution is the single most effective safety measure you can take to reduce serious injuries in a vehicle accident.

Set a good example for your group, be the first to put on your seat belt!

Citations
Obey all traffic and speed laws.  VPSI will not be responsible for any citation a driver receives.

A citation may result in the loss of vanpool driving privileges.   Please drive carefully!

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Gasoline
Please purchase high-quality, unleaded gasoline for the commuter van from major, name-brand gas stations.

Unsatisfactory fuels can cause problems, such as hard starting and stalling.  If you experience this type of problem, please consider using another brand of gasoline before servicing the vehicle.

Note: The cost of gasoline used during personal use of the van is the responsibility of the Driver using the vehicle.

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Vehicle Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance Coupon Book
The Volunteer Driver is responsible for the arranging of preventive maintenance at the repair facility.

Your cooperation in following the preventive maintenance scheduled is a critical element in continued, reliable vanpool operation.

The VPSI Preventive Maintenance Coupon Book enables the Volunteer Driver to have services performed without prior authorization.   Each coupon clearly identifies the mileage intervals for each service.

Do not remove the coupons from the Coupon Book!

To use the Coupon Book, the Driver must complete the following:

1. Contact either A) a VPSI National Account Vendor or B) any of the "preferred" vendors recommended by your local VPSI Customer Service Center.

2. Verify the vendor's ability to process National Account billings.  Call your local VPSI Customer Service Center if you have questions.

3. Complete the appropriate spaces on the front of the coupon to be used.

4. Present the Coupon Book to the vendor's representative.

5. The vendor's representative will remove the proper coupon and perform the scheduled service.

6. Vendors will bill VPSI for the work completed.

The VPSI Maintenance Department must approve any repair or service not covered by a Preventive Maintenance Coupon.

Refer to your Preventive Maintenance Coupon Book for specific instructions.

MetroVanPool has an Atlanta area mobile service provider, Standard Automotive who provides pick-up and delivery service for scheduled maintenance.  The vehicle is returned to your worksite in time for your homebound commute.  Identify yourself as driving a MetroVanPool/VPSI van.  Service is provided through  the following:

Woodstock Office - Standard Automotive - 770-928-1907
(serves Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock, Canton - points North)

Atlanta Office - Standard Automotive - 404-688-2886
(serves Vinings, Atlanta, and points South)

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Warranty Repairs
The warranty booklet in your van describes warranty coverage and procedures.

Follow these guidelines when your vehicle needs warranty service:

	All Chrysler Corporation warranty repairs must be performed at a Chrysler/Plymouth, or Dodge dealership.
	Always keep the warranty booklet in the Engine Cover Console or Glove Compartment of the van for reference.
	If you have questions about warranty coverage, please contact your local VPSI Customer Service Center.

Your local VPSI Customer Service Center is available to help you arrange quick and efficient warranty repair services.  Some Dodge and Chrysler/Plymouth dealers provide convenient pick-up and delivery services.  Contact your local VPSI Customer Service Center for the most convenient dealers near you.

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National Fleet Maintenance Department
VPSI has a full-time staff of fleet maintenance specialists available to serve you.  Just call the VPSI Maintenance Hotline at:

1-800-223-VPSI(8774)
Maintenance Hotline Hours (EST)

For HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - Click HERE

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Emergency Repairs
Any National Account Vendor or other authorized service facility may perform non-warranty and/or emergency service. 

Have the facility performing the work contact the VPSI Maintenance Hotline for an authorization number at:

1-800-223-VPSI (8774)

The vendor must have authorization before performing any work on the van.  Please make sure the service vendor records the following information:

	Volunteer Driver's name
	Vanpool number
	Mileage at time of service
	Type of service required
	Estimated cost of the service
	VPSI authorization number

All repairs which cost more than $25 require prior authorization from VPSI.

If, for some reason, you pay for a pre-authorized repair, keep the receipt.  Deduct the amount from your monthly invoice and include the receipt with your monthly payment.  Your next monthly invoice will reflect the credit applied to your account.

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Parking Clearances
Your vanpool vehicle will fit in a standard full-size parking space.  If you park in a garage, the height clearance is 7 feet 0 inchesthe height clearance is 7 feet 0 inches (84 inches)(84 inches).

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BackUp Vans & DownTime

In the event your repair(s) requires that the vehicle remain in the repair facility overnight or longer, a back-up van may be available for you to use while your van is being serviced.  Check with your local VPSI Customer Service Center.

If a Back-Up Van is not available, it will be the responsibility of the passengers to arrange for alternative transportation.   It is an excellent idea to establish a contingency plan for unforeseen events such as this.

Downtime.  Days when your vanpool vehicle is inoperable AND you have no loaner van area eligible for Down-time credit.  Examples where this might happen would be cases involving mechanical failure and/or accident damage.

Notify your local office (770-427-7665) as soon as the vehicle goes in to be repaired so that credits can be properly calculated and applied.  Normally, a credit is generated to be applied against your next month's invoice.  NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN IF YOUR GROUP HAS THE USE OF A LOANER VAN DURING THIS PERIOD.  FAILURE TO NOTIFY THE LOCAL OFFICE OF YOUR VEHICLE BREAKDOWN WILL NEGATE YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDITS.

Sample Calculation:

	Monthly charges due VPSI =   $1,200
	Van is "out" for three days
	$1,200 / 30 days/month = $40 credit per day
	$40 x 3 days = $120 DOWN TIME credit to your van invoice.

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Towing
If the van breaks down and you cannot drive it, arrange to have your van towed to the nearest repair facility. 

During normal business hours, contact your local Customer Service Center at 1-800-VAN-RIDE (1-800-826-7433).  The VPSI National Maintenance Hotline staff is also available to assist you at 1-800-223-8774.   Hours are HERE.

In the Atlanta Metro area, our primary towing company is:
Marietta Wrecker - 770-953-1176/1179

VPSI has arrangements that vehicles towed to Marietta Dodge will have the towing charges automatically billed to VPSI.

Be sure that the towing service representative has the following information:

	Vanpool number
	Location of van and keys
	License/Tag number of van
	YOUR name and telephone number
	Name and Address of the facility to which the van should be towed.

If possible:   Please remain with the van until the towing service arrives.

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Accidents
Let the staff of your local VPSI Customer Service Center know of an accident as quickly as possible.  Report any accident or incident involving injury or damage immediately. If a traffic citation and/or other police involvement occurred as a part of the accident; please provide the local office with a copy of the Police Report as well.

The Claims Service Kit (in the glove compartment of your van) contains:

	An insurance card
	VPSI Accident Procedures for Driver
	VPSI Accident or loss notice

Contact your local Service Center if your van does NOT have a claims kit.  One will be sent to you. 

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