Van Pools Blog
Carpool Tunnel Syndrome
December 3rd, 2009 0 Comments
The following post was written by Mike Kamkar from Chandler, Arizona. It was originally submitted to our iPhone contest, but it was so enjoyable that we had to share it with our readers.
One hot summer as we were riding the van through the downtown tunnel, there was an accident that slowed us down. We were stuck in there for almost an hour, inching our way through the tunnel. Of course when the van is idling or not moving as fast, the AC doesn’t cool as well. So needless to say, everyone in the van was huffing and puffing and complaining about the heat. As I was sitting there behind the wheel, just to make light of the situation, I came up with a joke of my own. I told everyone that we were suffering from Carpool Tunnel Syndrome. Ever since then we joke about how we all have been affected with this syndrome and will never recover from it.
The Same Blue Car
October 30th, 2009 0 CommentsThe following post was written by Alex Stokman from Missoula, Montana. It was originally submitted to our iPhone contest, but it was so enjoyable that we had to share it with our readers.
As a TDM outreach person, I hear a lot of stories. This one from Minnesota, is still by far my favorite! A vanpool driver named Charlie confessed that in the early 90′s he drove alone. He would see the same blue car, with one guy sipping his coffee in front of him each morning on the one hour drive into work and, more often than not, on the way home, too.
So, after a few weeks, Charlie thought ‚ “Well this is silly.” So he followed the guy all the way to his driveway one day after work. A little awkward to approach a stranger, but Charlie felt he knew him just from seeing him on the road all those mornings and figured they could at least have each other to talk to. Charlie suggested they carpool.
To this day, almost 20 years later, they still share their work commute riding together in what is now grown into a VPSI vanpool with eight additional riders.
Watermelons, Watermelons, Everywhere
October 22nd, 2009 0 Comments
The following post was written by vanpooler Wanda Eaton from Kingwood, Texas. It was originally submitted to our iPhone contest, but it was so enjoyable that we had to share it with our readers.
I have vanpooled to work in Houston for years. As such, no matter which department or office I am assigned to, I have developed an extensive network of friends. Within that network of friends, we share vanpool experiences and stories that bond us together no matter how long it has been since we shared a ride to work.
One of my favorite experiences was when the van was delayed in a traffic jam near the 610 loop. As we got closer we found that an 18-wheeler had overturned on the upper overpass and his load of watermelons was strewn all over the freeway. The traffic jam resulted from people stopping their cars, getting out and picking up the watermelons to take home. It literally was a free-for-all! None of us, however, were brave (or stupid) enough to take on the traffic jam and score a watermelon. Instead, we took away a great story that softened the 30 minute delay in getting home.
With sincere apologies to both Lennon and McCartney‚ I give you “A Day in the Life.”
October 1st, 2009 0 CommentsThe following post was written by vanpooler (and Van-Pools.com contributor) Noel Ciminello from North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. It was originally submitted to our iPhone contest, but it was so enjoyable that we had to share it with our readers.
I read the news today, oh boy!
About a group of folks who were annoyed.
40 peeps formed a vanpool to commute.
A pool of vans was born.
On 4 vans they formed.
They leave New Bedford at diff’rent times.
They were amazed how much they’d save.
A crowd of people stood and stared.
They’re wishing they could join.
Nobody was really sure if it would work.
I rode the van today, oh boy!!
We talked about how much we’d save and more.
With 4 vans to choose you see.
We have flexibility.
And we only pay…one…feeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
I love to sa-e-a-e-a-e-ve mon-on-on-ey-ey-ey-ey-ey-ey!!!!!!
<<>> With the alarm clock ring of course!!!)
Woke up, fell out of bed, On to the Park N’ Ride I sped.
Found my way to the van and took my seat.
And stretching out, I noticed I was beat…
The Ride was smooth and the price was right.
With vanpooling I’ve seen the light.
Pulled on to the highway and headed for work and somebody spoke and I went into a dream.
Ahh Ahhhhh-ahh-ahhhh.
We talk about the news, oh boy!!!
40+ peeps who stay in touch and know so much.
And though the talk sometimes gets hot.
We know just when to stop.
But now we know we’d rather vanpool…than…NOT.
I love to sa-e-a-e-a-e-ve mon-on-on-ey-ey-ey-ey-ey-ey!!!!!!
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Testimonials
About 3 1/2 years ago, one of my family members was involved in a collision which totaled my car. They ... Read More
“I just gave myself a raise!” is a familiar exclamation as a new rider boards the van for the first ... Read More
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