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News/Press Releases

Recent VPSI Related Press Releases

October 28, 2008

MDOT and MichiVan Launch 300th Vanpool in Michigan

Lansing, Michigan - October 28, 2008 � A milestone in vanpool history was reached today when the 300th commuter van was delivered to employees at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit. MichiVan, the statewide vanpool program operated by VPSI, Inc. of Troy, is managed through a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The program started in 1980.

"One of the best values for your money is riding in a vanpool," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Vanpooling with MichiVan is a cost-effective alternative for commuters who enjoy the convenience of sharing a ride to work. The 2,224 people served by commuter vans each day means there are fewer vehicles on Michigan roads. This is good for the environment - - and good for the pocketbook."

"As a Michigan-based company and the nation's largest vanpool provider, we are extremely proud to work with MDOT to provide vanpool services for commuters through the MichiVan program," said Jon Martz, vice president of government relations, VPSI, Inc. "Vanpooling is not only the safest mode of public transportation, but it also reduces commuting costs for employees, limits congestion on our roads, and positively impacts our environment."

Vanpooling saves approximately 152,000 gallons of fuel, reduces about 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and takes 40,430 vehicles off the road each month in Michigan.

The typical vanpooler has at least a 30-minute drive or travels more than 10 miles one-way to work.

A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who commute on a regular basis; one person volunteers to be the driver/coordinator of the vanpool and normally rides free. The passengers pay a low monthly fee and share the cost of fuel. MichiVan typically pays for insurance and repairs to the vehicle.

August 6, 2008

Nation's Top Vanpool Company Grows by 13.7% in First Six Months of 2008

Historically High Fuel Costs Drive Commuters to Seek More Economical Mode of Transportation

Troy, Michigan - August 6, 2008 � Leading the effort to find alternative, less expensive methods of transportation for commuters, the nation's leading van pool company, VPSI, Inc., said today the number of vanpools it operates expanded by 13.7 % in the first six months of 2008. VPSI added 538 new vanpools to its fleet across the US, bringing the total number of vanpools it operates to nearly 4,500.

"We experienced robust growth across the nation with the largest expansion in Southern California, where we added 227 new vanpools in six months," said Jeff Henning, president and chief executive of VPSI Inc. "This included over 150 additional new vanpools serving the Los Angeles area and 76 in San Diego. We are seeing increased demand for new vanpools in virtually every region of the country."

Many commuters are struggling with absorbing the rapidly escalating cost of transportation in their household budgets, and vanpooling provides a welcome relief from the cost of commuting to and from work.

"VPSI vanpools average more than 150 passenger-miles per gallon and the typical vanpooler pays less than 40� per gallon," according to VPSI Fleet and Risk Management VP Steve Pederson. "I'm delighted we are able to provide a safe, comfortable and economical mode of transportation for commuters."

In addition to the economical rationale for embracing vanpools, an increased awareness of and appreciation for being good stewards of the environment are also contributing factors to VPSI's impressive growth. "Vanpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, along with their emissions" stated Henning. "In fact, we are proud to note that in 2007, VPSI's vans were responsible for eliminating nearly 6.9 million vehicle commuting trips, conserving more than 26 million gallons of fuel and eliminating more than 275,000 tons of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere."

"Ford Motor Company is pleased with the success enjoyed by VPSI and their choice to purchase Ford products," said Sue Cischke, Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering for Ford Motor Company. "The Ford Econoline Van and Wagon, preferred by commuter vanpoolers, now features Flex Fuel (E85) capable engine choices for 2009 models. Ford Motor Company also offers many other environmentally friendly products, like our Ford Escape Hybrid. Our vision is to provide sustainable transportation for our customers that is affordable in every sense of the word: socially, environmentally and economically."

June 26, 2008

Vanpooling Option Available in Pima County

VPSI, Inc. partners with Pima Association of Governments to Serve Commuters

Troy, Michigan - June 26, 2008 � As gas prices reach and exceed historic highs, Pima County residents have an improved commuting option that will lighten the load on their wallets and improve the environment.

Pima Association of Governments (PAG) has partnered with national vanpool service provider VPSI, Inc. to announce the opening of a new branch in Tucson, Arizona. The PAG Vanpool Program is fully operational, with 14 vans serving commuters in the Pima County area.

"We are pleased to support the growing vanpool population in Arizona with the launch of the Pima Association of Governments County Vanpool Program,� said VPSI Southwest Area Manager Debra Asbacher. �A vanpool is a convenient solution for commuters and companies who want to save money and have a positive environmental impact through organized ride sharing.�

�I want to commend our regional officials for helping to bring this tremendous transportation option to the community,� said PAG�s Travel Demand Management Manager Ruth Reiman. �We are excited to partner with VPSI to bring Pima County residents commuting solutions that are economically advantageous as well as environmentally sound.�

VPSI now operates 444 vanpools in Arizona, with 86 vans serving the commuters of Pima County, Pinal and Cochise Counties. Pima County provides incentives to encourage commuters to take advantage of vanpooling, including the Pima County guaranteed ride home program.

VPSI will help vanpoolers form groups of five to 14 commuters, (colleagues, friends or neighbors � anyone with common destination points), or provide users access to search the company�s online database for existing vanpools on their preferred routes. A volunteer driver from the group collects a pre-determined monthly fee from passengers and VPSI provides vehicles, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and helps with ongoing passenger recruitment.

June 25, 2008

Nation�s Largest Vanpool Company Welcomes Interview Opportunities

VPSI, Inc. offers Subject Matter Experts to Address Commuting Challenges and Solutions

Troy, Michigan - June 25, 2008 - VPSI Inc., the nation�s largest vanpool provider, today announced it will provide media access to subject matter experts (SMEs) to address questions relating to various issues that impact commuters and the companies for whom they work.

�With gas prices surpassing historic highs and commuters struggling to manage their transportation expenses, it�s comforting to know there are commuting alternatives,� said VPSI CEO Jeff Henning. �With nearly 4500 vanpools in service, we are the market leader in providing a safe, comfortable and cost-saving transportation option that is mutually beneficial to the individual commuter, their employer and the environment.�

VPSI�s SMEs are available to provide expert commentary and insight into the following categories:

VPSI SMEs can speak to the economic, environmental and societal benefits of vanpooling from both a local and national perspective. Employers, both public and private, may be interested in taking advantage of the Commute-To-Work tax benefits afforded transit and vanpool commuters.

VPSI SMEs are able to provide accurate information regarding maximizing the available programs and describe the ideal collaborative environment with local transportation authorities, governmental organizations and business entities.

�Transportation costs are now estimated to consume 18% of the average American�s household income, and the time has come to rethink how we use automobiles in our daily lives�, said VPSI Vice President of Business Development Michael Norvell. �There are more compelling reasons now, with fuel costs rapidly rising and environmental awareness at an all time high, to consider the benefits of vanpooling and other sustainable transportation strategies. The public deserves to be aware of the fact that viable, cost-effective alternatives to commuting alone are readily available to them.�

VPSI was founded by a major automobile manufacturer seeking new ways to use full-size passenger vans. Since the founding of the organization 31 years ago, there has been steady growth. Now, with gas exceeding $4 a gallon for the first time, commuters are more interested than ever.

March 25, 2008

Vanpooling Revs up in El Paso County

VPSI, Inc. partners with El Paso County, launches 41st U.S. branch

Troy, Michigan - March 24, 2008 - As gas prices continue to climb, El Paso County residents have a new commuting option that will lighten the load on their wallets and the environment.

El Paso County has partnered with national vanpool service provider VPSI, Inc. to announce the opening of a new El Paso branch. The El Paso County Vanpool Program is fully operational, with one van already making its rounds.

VPSI now operates 464 vanpools in Texas, with branches in the Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas, as well as 424 vanpools serving Phoenix and Tucson. �Vanpools are an excellent complement to the existing transportation options available to the citizens of El Paso,� said Texas Department of Transportation Manager of Programming and Scheduling Mark N. Crews, P.E. �They provide an efficient and convenient way to get to and from the workplace while reducing fuel consumption and vehicular traffic.�

El Paso County provides some creative incentives to encourage commuters to take advantage of vanpooling, including a 50 percent subsidy for the monthly vanpool lease and the gas. The program also provides an emergency ride home option in case a passenger must deviate from the regular ride schedule.

VPSI will help vanpoolers form ride groups of five to 14 colleagues, friends or neighbors � anyone with common destination points � or search the company�s online database for existing vanpools on their preferred routes. A volunteer driver from the group collects a pre-determined monthly fee from passengers and VPSI covers all vehicle maintenance and insurance costs.

March 13, 2008

Pittsburgh Area Commuters Choose VPSI Vanpool Services

U.S. Office of Personnel Management employees benefit from vanpool program

Troy, Michigan - March 13, 2008 - VPSI, Inc. will broaden its customer base, providing vanpool services to the employees of the United States Office of Personnel Management. VPSI operates in conjunction with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission�s CommuteInfo program.

OPM employees currently operate three vanpools through the organization�s Transit Benefit Program, which continues to grow. With the addition of OPM�s employees, CommuteInfo now runs 37 vanpools in the Pittsburgh area, serving more than 300 vanpoolers.

�VPSI is a convenient solution for commuters and companies who want to save money and have a positive environmental impact through organized ride sharing,� said Jeff Henning, president and CEO of VPSI. �We are excited to support the growing vanpool population in Pittsburgh.�

�We are happy to have helped these commuters find a better way to work,� said Lisa Kay Schweyer, CommuteInfo program developer. �They are saving money and thanks to their employer, they even get preferred parking at their worksite.�

OPM employees take advantage of a federal voucher program that encourages the use of approved methods of public transit, including vanpools and bus routes, to get to work. Through this program, they can receive up to $110 per month in vouchers to subsidize transit costs.

VPSI vanpoolers form ride groups of 6 to 14 colleagues, friends or neighbors � anyone with common destination points � or search the company�s online database for existing vanpools on their desired routes. A volunteer driver from the group collects a pre-determined monthly fee from passengers and VPSI covers vehicle maintenance and insurance costs.

December 5, 2007

VPSI, Inc. achieves milestone with 3,500 vanpools

Nation�s vanpool services leader helps commuters save time, money and CO2 emissions

Troy, Michigan - December 5, 2007 - VPSI, Inc., the nation�s leading vanpool services provider, has hit a business milestone with its 3,500th vanpool. The company is 30 years old and operates in 40 major U.S. cities and in Europe.

Collectively, VPSI�s vanpools this year will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 275,000 tons and save about 26 million gallons of gasoline, roughly equivalent to $78 million. They will also eliminate 6.9 million individual commuter trips from the roads and cut down their drive times by taking advantage of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when available.

�VPSI is a convenient solution for commuters and companies who want to save money, time and have a positive environmental impact through organized ride sharing,� said Jeff Henning, president and CEO of the company. �This growth milestone allows VPSI to have greater impact on economic and environmental issues.�

VPSI vanpoolers form ride groups of 6 to 14 colleagues, friends or neighbors � anyone with common destination points � or by searching the company�s online database for existing vanpools on their desired routes. A volunteer driver from the group collects a pre-determined monthly fee from passengers and VPSI covers all vehicle maintenance and insurance costs.

VPSI works with companies, too. Many environmentally-conscious employers have implemented VPSI vanpool programs for their employees. Some subsidize the program as part of the Federal Commuter Choice Tax Incentives, which allows them to write off reimbursements for employees who use approved methods of mass transit.

Recent News Stories Featuring Vanpooling with VPSI

January 22, 2010

VAMC Tackles Parking Problems

December 2, 2009

Vanpool Hawaii Signs 300th Rideshare Group

December 1, 2009

Vanpool Hawaii Celebrates Expansion

November 30, 2009

Vanpool Hawaii Celebrates Expansion

November/December, 2009

Conscientious Commuting: Carpools, vanpools and bicycles

November 7, 2009