What is the difference between Vanpool and VanShare?

Dear Movin':
Kudos to you for not starting that nasty habit of driving alone to work! As your boss mentioned, many commuters have found Vanpool and VanShare groups to be an excellent alternative. There are some key differences between the two that will help determine which one is right for you.

VanShare provides vans at either end of the commute, to get bus or rail users from their home to a transfer point, or from the transfer point to their workplace. One thing to keep in mind is in order to use VanShare from the transfer point to your workplace, you must arrive at the transfer point via public HOV transit, not your personal vehicle. Each VanShare van can travel up to 20 round trip miles a day, with overnight and weekend parking available at Park and Ride lots, ferry terminals, and other transit centers. The $50 monthly fare and fuel costs are split by the VanShare group, which can consist of up to 15 people, making this a very affordable option.

Vanpools are a little different in that they are groups of five or more people who share a similar, entire commute trip from home to work. The group pays a monthly fare that covers the cost of the van, gas, insurance and maintenance. The group decides on the meeting time, location and route it will take and there is no limit on the round trip miles traveled each day as it is calculated into the monthly fare. Vehicle, insurance and maintenance are all provided, so the Vanpool group can worry about more important things—like coffee and donuts!
HOV