June Update
Commuter Options Continues to Expand-
More city workers get a hand with travel to suburban jobs
Commuter Options, a service providing access to suburban jobs for city residents, operated by the Philadelphia Unemployment Project (PUP), launched its latest van pool June 23rd. This is the first of three planned pools traveling to The Hartford Insurance Company’s call center in Ft Washington, and the seventh pool overall.
PUP minivans travel out in all directions from Philadelphia each morning, so far saving about thirty commuters many hours each week, and giving them the certainty of dependable transportation to and from work. Also – PUP’s pools creates a supportive group for newly hired employees, easing the transitions from programs into work life.
From its official start in March PUP’s Commuter Options continues steady growth towards a projected twenty pools this fall. The program provides Chrysler minivans to city workers so that they can commute in van pools to suburban jobs. U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah was responsible for securing funding for the project.
Philadelphia Unemployment Project 1201 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-557-0822MISSION STATEMENT
Philadelphia Unemployment Project Commuter Options offers a solution for commuters needing to go where transit doesn’t. PUP makes available minivans for Delaware Valley commuters who want convenient, safe access to otherwise unreachable jobs.
HOW DO I START A VANPOOL?
It takes at least four commuters (including the driver and backup driver) to start a vanpool. Our minivans seat up to seven commuters.
At least one and preferably two commuters in a pool must be 23 years or older, have a standard, clean (going back three years) Class C driver's license and will drive the minivan and take it home at night. Also, the driver will be responsible for taking the van for routine cleaning and service.
PUP pays for all gas, maintenance, and insurance, and will arrange replacement or emergency transportation for commuters.
Pools can travel almost anywhere within about an hour's radius of Center City. For specific origins and destinations, call Will at 215-557-0822.
All potential commutes will be looked at considering existing transit options, and commuters will be referred to transit routes if they run nearby at convenient times.
If you have enough commuters for a pool and a couple qualified drivers, call Will at PUP today at 215-557-0822 to get started.
HOW DO I GET INTO AN EXISTING VANPOOL?
Click here for van pool application (pdf fill-in form)
October 2006 Update
December 2006 Update