Recruiting new members

Rider recruiting

When your group needs new riders, you have multiple options:

• Use your network
  Most Metro Vanpool participants find their group through someone they know. The easiest and best way to recruit riders is for group participants to talk about their group with friends and coworkers.

• Make recruiting fun
  Have a contest for whoever brings in new riders. Give winners rewards such as a preferred seat in the vehicle, choice over what to listen to, or even free coffee and doughnuts.

• Check with your employer
  Many employers have a commute team or employee transportation coordinator who may be able to connect you with coworkers interested in joining a Vanpool or Vanshare group.

• Visit RideshareOnline.com
  RideshareOnline.com is a great, free resource for finding potential riders. Every Metro Vanpool and Vanshare group is listed in RideshareOnline’s Ridematch tool.

• Request Metro support
  You may always contact Metro for support by email or phone at vanpool@kingcounty.gov or 206-625-4500.

• Offer potential riders a test ride in your vanpool
  They may try out your vanpool for up to three FREE rides before committing to join the group.

• Post a Riders Wanted Sign
  Create a sign with your van details to post at work, in your neighborhood or community center. 

Driver and Bookkeeper recruiting

Asking existing participants if they will be a driver or bookkeeper is the easiest way to fill these group roles. 

Encourage group participants who are interested in becoming a driver or bookkeeper to submit a new program application (PA) with the appropriate driver or bookkeeper section also filled out. 

All applicants must meet volunteer driver and bookkeeper selection criteria to fill either of those positions.

Keeping a wait list

Your group’s public contact should quickly respond to requests to join the group, including requests forwarded by Metro. Even if your group is full, keep a wait list of interested participants. 

When names are received from Metro, or through other means, the public contact should record the name, phone number, and date of contact. RideshareOnline.com has a wait list feature that can help. Keeping track of preferences such as "only rides Monday, Wednesday, Friday" or what their pickup or drop-off location is also helpful. 

When you have a vacancy in your group, the first person on your list should be contacted. You should operate on this first-come, first-served basis while ensuring that there is compatibility with your existing route and travel times.