Van Pools Blog

By Chris Simmons, VPSI’s Government Affairs Executive

US Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ 13)

Vanpooling is more than just a local issue, but a national one as well. The question of how vanpooling, carpooling, telework, alternative work hours and promoting transit use works in an overall national transportation program is crucial, especially as Congress debates a new authorization for Federal programs. Through their work with the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), VPSI’s Government Relations Department of Jon Martz and Chris Simmons spend time working with Congress and USDOT to help promote efforts to increase these programs.

One of the specific efforts we are working on right now is supporting HR 3517, the Commute LESS Act. Sponsored by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ 13), this bill would have two major effects on commuters. First, local agencies that fund transportation projects would be required to include local employers in their decision process. The concept behind this is that companies who support vanpooling should have their support recognized by the region and those efforts complimented by other transportation programs. Second, where a major project is undertaken to expand roadways or put in new transit facilities, programs that engage affected employers to help inform their employees on different ways they can get to work need to be included as a part of the project.

As Congress continues to debate the federal role in transportation, VPSI will continue to contribute its voice in support of vanpooling and vanpoolers across the country.