Indiana's CityBus Partnering to Launch Vanpool Program

Lafayette, Ind.’s CityBus is launching a new vanpooling service to its transit system with the goal of attracting workers to Greater Lafayette while reducing expenses for commuters.

In partnership with Commute with Enterprise, the newest addition to the CityBus family of community services will be known as CityVan of Greater Lafayette.

The New Partnership

CityBus chose to partner with Commute with Enterprise to bring their expertise, scalability, and professionalism to the Greater Lafayette area to ensure the success of CityVan.

“Our new Commute with Enterprise partnership allows CityBus to launch a vanpool program that meets the mobility needs of our residents and the employment needs that have been communicated to us through our work with Greater Lafayette Commerce,” said Bryan D. Smith, CEO of CityBus. “Launching CityVan introduces Tippecanoe County to a proven, efficient form of public transit that has seen great success across the nation and helps CityBus further our core mission.”

The New CityVan Service

CityVan is a coordinated vanpool service available to residents who wish to access jobs and commute in Tippecanoe County. CityBus is working to establish intergovernmental agreements that would allow residents of the contiguous counties of Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Warren, and White who work within Tippecanoe County to participate in the program in the future.

Commute with Enterprise coordinates riders who indicate their interest through various channels, such as at their jobsite or via the online portal. Commute with Enterprise then matches riders who have similar work shifts in similar areas and are interested in riding together. Each vanpool is customized to the specific needs of the group. Once four or more people are matched, a Commute with Enterprise representative will work with the group to identify needs and provide solutions.

The program will be partially subsidized by CityBus using Federal Transit Administration grant funds. The remaining cost is split among the employer and/or participants, with each rider paying a set fee per month. Commute with Enterprise will provide coordination services and technology, vehicles, liability insurance, scheduled maintenance, and 24-hour roadside assistance.