Vanpool drivers are an essential part of UCSC’s vanpool program. Drivers volunteer their services and in exchange get a number of benefits, including a mileage allotment for limited personal use of the van. Drivers can be a Primary, Co-Driver or Back-up Driver and receive a reduction in their monthly vanpool fares.

• Primary drivers do not pay a monthly fee
• Co-Drivers split a regular monthly fee
• Back up drivers receive a 25% discount on the regular monthly fee.

UCSC provides in-house training to vanpool drivers led by a certifided trainer. Please note: If a driver will be driving a 15-passenger vehicle, the driver is required to obtain a Class B license (pass a written test and a driving test administered at the local DMV office) for which all out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Vanpool Driver Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for volunteer vanpool driver candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of 5 years of general driving experience.
• Have no at-fault accidents in the 3 years prior to assuming driver responsibilities and not more than one during any 3-year period while performing vanpool driver responsibilities.
• Have no more than 1 moving violation in the 3 years prior to assuming driver responsibilities and not more than 2 during any 3-year period while performing vanpool driver responsibilities.
• Have no Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses in the 5 years prior to assuming driver responsibilities or while performing vanpool driver responsibilities.
• Have no disqualifying action taken against his/her driving license or certificate i.e., Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) suspension or revocation at any time.

Vanpool Driver Duties & Responsibilities

Driver Daily Duties

• Ensure daily operation of the vanpool with the assistance of back-up drivers
according to the UNIVERSITY annual calendar.
• Complete a safety check before operating the van as prescribed by law.
• Always use seatbelts when operating the van and advise all passengers to use
seatbelts.
• Maintain a list of all passengers and allow only passengers who have paid and have
clearance from UNIVERSITY to ride the vanpool.
• Keep a daily log of riders, mileage and other records as required by UNIVERSITY.
• Furnish a secure overnight parking place for the van. (Preferably off-street.)
• Lock and remove keys when the van is unattended.

Weekly Duties

• Take the van to Fleet Services to be fueled.

Driver Monthly Duties

• Submit a Mileage log and Daily passenger ridership roster from previous month to UNIVERSITY by the tenth day of the month.
• Schedule and make van available for monthly cleaning.

Driver Duties When Needed

• Take van to Fleet Services every 6000 miles for preventative maintenance as required
by the State of California.
• Take the van to Fleet Services immediately for safety related issues (i.e. burned out
head-light, non-functioning turn indicator, etc.) or for any mechanical problems.
• Contact passengers and UNIVERSITY as soon as possible in case of any break in
vanpool service.
• Attend Driver meetings as scheduled.
• Train passengers on use of the bike rack and ensure that racks are secure before the
van is in motion. DRIVER is not responsible for loading or unloading passenger
bikes.