Recent MichiVan Related Press Releases
October 28, 2008
MDOT and MichiVan Launch 300th Vanpool in Michigan
Lansing, Michigan - October 28, 2008 – A milestone in vanpool history was reached today when the 300th commuter van was delivered to employees at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit. MichiVan, the statewide vanpool program operated by VPSI, Inc. of Troy, is managed through a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The program started in 1980.
"One of the best values for your money is riding in a vanpool," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Vanpooling with MichiVan is a cost-effective alternative for commuters who enjoy the convenience of sharing a ride to work. The 2,224 people served by commuter vans each day means there are fewer vehicles on Michigan roads. This is good for the environment - - and good for the pocketbook."
"As a Michigan-based company and the nation's largest vanpool provider, we are extremely proud to work with MDOT to provide vanpool services for commuters through the MichiVan program," said Jon Martz, vice president of government relations, VPSI, Inc. "Vanpooling is not only the safest mode of public transportation, but it also reduces commuting costs for employees, limits congestion on our roads, and positively impacts our environment."
Vanpooling saves approximately 152,000 gallons of fuel, reduces about 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and takes 40,430 vehicles off the road each month in Michigan.
The typical vanpooler has at least a 30-minute drive or travels more than 10 miles one-way to work.
A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who commute on a regular basis; one person volunteers to be the driver/coordinator of the vanpool and normally rides free. The passengers pay a low monthly fee and share the cost of fuel. MichiVan typically pays for insurance and repairs to the vehicle.
January 31, 2007
MDOT Announces 200th MichiVan Vanpool in Michigan
On Monday, February 5, the MichiVan Vanpool Program delivered its 200th operating commuter van in Michigan. The program has been growing steadily since 1980, when the Michigan Department of Transportation first partnered with VPSI, Inc. to offer MichiVan commuter vanpools throughout the state.
Tom McLaren, the primary driver of the vanpool, received the keys to the vehicle at 1:30 pm at the Warren City Hall in Warren, Michigan. The event featured guest speakers, such as Warren City Mayor Mark A. Steenbergh; Jackie Shinn, MDOT’s Chief Deputy Director; Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Austin, Commander, United States Army Garrison – Detroit Arsenal; and Larry Swart, Manager of the MichiVan Vanpool Program.
"Today, in our 21st century world of fluctuating gasoline prices, busy highways and costly parking, it's good to know there are cost effective alternatives for commuters," said Jackie Shinn, MDOT chief deputy director. "The 1,600 people served by commuter vans each day means there are fewer vehicles on Michigan roads and highways. This is good for the environment and reduces emissions in the air we breathe."
Vanpooling with MichiVan is a cost effective alternative for commuters, who enjoy the convenience of sharing a ride to work together in a friendly environment. Vanpoolers arrive at work safe, on time and relaxed. The MichiVan Vanpool Program is operated by VPSI, Inc., the nation’s largest vanpool services provider. MichiVan offers several styles of vanpool vehicles accommodating groups of 5 to 15 passengers.
Established in 1977 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, VPSI operates a fleet of over 4,000 vehicles throughout the United States and Europe. With offices in more than 25 major cities, VPSI has the resources to organize cost saving vanpools almost anywhere in the country. For more information on the MichiVan Vanpooling Program, visit www.michivan.com or call 1-800-VAN-RIDE.
Click Here to See MDOT's News Release For This Event
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