7 Reasons Joining a Vanpool Should be One of Your New Year’s Resolutions
New year, new you—and maybe new ways to commute! While you’re busy crafting your list of resolutions (hello, meal prepping and reading more books), we’ve got one more to add: join a vanpool.
Vanpooling might not sound as exciting as your plan to start kickboxing or finally take up pottery, but hear us out: It’s a resolution that not only benefits you but also your community, your wallet, and even the planet. Still skeptical? Here are seven solid reasons to embrace vanpool solutions this year, brought to you by goCommute, your go-to for smarter commuter services.
1. Save Serious Cash
Gas prices got you feeling personally attacked? Sharing a ride with 5 to 15 people slashes your fuel costs dramatically. With fewer fill-ups, you’ll have more money for the fun stuff (like overpriced lattes and streaming subscriptions). Plus, the goCommute Vanpool Program offers financial assistance to help offset your vanpool costs. That’s a win for your wallet and your peace of mind.
2. Ease Your Commute Stress
Forget the bumper-to-bumper grind; let someone else take the wheel. In a vanpool, you can sit back, relax, and finally dive into that podcast everyone’s been talking about (start with Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce, thank us later). Whether you're streaming the latest true crime drama or watching too many TikToks, commuting becomes a lot less stressful and a lot more “me time.”
3. Access Ride Home Rewards
Life happens—maybe you need to leave work early for an emergency or stay late to finish up a project. That’s where the ConnectingVA Ride Home Rewards program comes in. Through our partnership with the VA Department of Rail & Public Transit (DRPT), we’ve got your back with a free ride home in those “just-in-case” moments. Joining a vanpool doesn’t mean you’re stuck; it means you’re covered. You can consider that one of the best commuter solutions we offer.
4. Do Your Part for the Environment
We get it—nobody wants a lecture on air quality. But here’s the thing: reducing single-occupancy vehicles can have a massive impact on the environment. By joining a vanpool, you’re helping improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion without having to sacrifice your comfort or convenience. It’s a small change with big benefits for everyone.
5. Meet New People (or Avoid Them, Your Call)
Vanpooling is like carpooling but with more flexibility and better perks. For extroverts, it’s a chance to connect with coworkers or fellow commuters you’d never meet otherwise. For introverts, no one’s judging you for putting in your earbuds and enjoying the ride.
6. Cut Down on Wear and Tear
Your car deserves a break. Constant commuting wears down your vehicle and drains your budget with maintenance costs. By sharing the load with a vanpool, you’ll extend your car’s life and avoid those dreaded “check engine” lights. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
7. Make the Most of Commuter Services
GoCommute is here to make your commute work for you. Our vanpool solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re tailored to meet the needs of Hampton Roads residents. From finding the right vanpool group to connecting you with ride-matching resources, we’ve got the tools to help you make commuting simpler, smarter, and way less of a headache.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re looking for a commuter solution that saves money, reduces stress, and helps the environment, a vanpool is the way to go. And with goCommute and our ConnectingVA Ride Home Rewards program, you’ve got all the support you need to make it happen.
Let’s make 2025 the year your commute becomes a highlight of your day—not a chore.