Vanpools
The UT Vanpool Program provides a safe, reliable ride to and from campus for UT commuters. A joint effort between UT Austin and Capital Metro, this program allows 5 to 12 individuals to commute daily to the main campus, the Pickle Research Campus, or the WPR Building in a Capital Metro van.
Why Join a Vanpool?
Reduced Permit Fees
The permit cost is reduced by $50 for each registered UT Austin employee and student vanpool rider (excluding the driver) up to the cost of the permit.
Save money
Vanpoolers can save hundreds of dollars each year on gasoline, parking costs and even automobile insurance.
Save time
You can use your commute to catch up on reading, work… even sleep.
Extend the life of your vehicle
Vanpooling means you'll use your car less often, and reduce your vehicles wear and tear.
Reduce stress
SHARE the driving responsibilities and watch your stress level drop!
Improve the environment
Fewer cars on the road means cleaner air and less congestion on highways.
Park in "preferred" parking spaces
Registered vanpoolers receive special parking arrangements near the driver's place of work/class.
UT Share Pass
In the event you need to drive your own vehicle to work instead of riding with your registered vanpool, a parking space may be provided in one of the university parking garages. Each vanpool member receives a UT Share Pass (garage debit card). The UT Share Pass issued to each vanpool member will have a balance adjusted to the term of the permit. Share passes issued to vanpoolers will be prorated based on the month of application approval. To receive a share pass you must list your own alternate vehicle. If an alternate vehicle is not listed, you opt out of receiving a share pass as one of your benefits. For a breakdown of share pass credits please see the following table:
Vanpool Share Pass Credit
| Permit type | Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A, AN, F, N, N+, S (annual) | $100 |
$90 |
$80 |
$70 |
$70 |
$70 |
$60 |
$50 |
$40 |
$30 |
$20 |
$10 |
| S (fall) | $40 |
$30 |
$20 |
$10 |
||||||||
| S (spring) | $40 |
$40 |
$30 |
$20 |
$10 |
|||||||
| S (summer) | $30 |
$20 |
$10 |
The Guaranteed Ride Home Program (GRH)
All vanpoolers are automatically enrolled in the GRH program, providing a safety net for emergency situations. If you need to leave the University before the carpool is ready because of an emergency a ride can be provided by mass transit or taxi. If you live outside the Capital Metro service area, a ride by taxi will be arranged. Under this program each carpool member will be eligible for up to two cab rides home per semester (or six times per academic year). PTS will pay for up to $49.50 per cab ride, and the rider is responsible for any additional charge and driver gratuity. To arrange a ride, please contact our office at 512-471-6214 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For other times, please contact the Brazos Garage at 512-471-6126.
How Does it Work?
- Call 477-RIDE * 477-7433 or E-mail Capital Metro to submit your commuter profile.
- UT Share will assist in identifying faculty, staff, and students who reside in the same general area and desire to commute together in a vanpool.
- When a group of five or more neighbors interested in vanpooling is identified the members of the group select a driver, two alternate drivers, and a designated treasurer. (The designated treasurer of the vanpool will be responsible for the monthly reports and finances for the group).
- The group determines pick-up points in the community and drop-off points on campus. A majority vote of the vanpool members determines the routes, schedule, wait times, and other issues.
- Capital Metro will provide the vehicle, and UT Share will provide a UT parking permit free of charge for the vanpool vehicle.
- The cost for each passenger is $60 per month, within the Capital Metro service area, and includes gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Additional costs apply for miles traveled outside the Capital Metro service area. The vanpool primary driver rides free of charge.
- Vanpool membership is voluntary with the understanding that all passengers will abide by all University rules, regulations, and policies.
- Individuals are only eligible to receive benefits once per academic year.
- If the permit is returned for a refund, the $50 per member permit discount benefit will be prorated and will be adjusted with the refund based on the usage of the permit.
The University of Texas Parking & Transportation Services and Capital Metro reserve the right to refuse service to anyone and to remove individuals from the program for violation of this policy.
