Drivers

All volunteer drivers, both primary and backup, have specific responsibilities and limitations, described in this section. Additional details may be found in Section B: Drivers of the Program Application Terms and Conditions.

Note: A primary driver may not also be the bookkeeper.

Application process

Drivers must complete an application and be approved by Metro to be authorized to drive a Metro-owned vehicle. Applicants must meet and maintain the established driver selection criteria. Even if you are an existing rider, you will need to submit a new application.

Driver selection criteria

Age: At least 21 years of age.
Employment: Employed by present employer for two years, or other indications of stable employment.
License and Experience: An ideal applicant will have a valid and unrestricted (corrective lenses acceptable) Washington State driver’s license and five (5) years of verifiable driving history. However, an otherwise well-qualified applicant with a minimum of three (3) years of verifiable driving history may be accepted in a probationary status until a full five (5) years of history is reached.
Medical Conditions: The highest health standards are required for vehicle drivers. Any condition that would impair a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle may result in not being accepted. (Poor eyesight that is correctable by lenses in acceptable.) If necessary, Metro may require a physical examination to make a determination.
Incidents: An ideal applicant will be collision-free for at least three (3) years. However, an otherwise well-qualified applicant may be considered if they have no more than one non-preventable collision within three years. In addition, the following will be considered:
- Applicants with a conviction involving a fatal collision (vehicular homicide, manslaughter, etc.), using a vehicle in the commission of a felony, and/or vehicular assault will not be accepted.
- Applicants with a conviction for negligent driving, reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within the last ten (10) years will be not accepted.
- Applicants with a license suspension or revocation within the last five (5) years will not be accepted.
Violations: An ideal applicant will have no moving violations for the past three (3) years (excluding parking citations). However, an otherwise well-qualified applicant may be considered if they have no more than one minor citation within three years. This will be verified with state records.
Alcohol and Drugs: An applicant who reports any alcohol- or drug-related charge within the past 10 years will not be accepted.
Off-Street Parking: Applicants must be able to provide off-street parking at a private residence when the vehicle is not in use. A Metro approved parking exception must be obtained where off-street parking is not available.
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR): An applicant who must file a CFR, otherwise known as SR22 insurance, due to their personal driving record will not be accepted while this requirement is in place.

Responsibilities

Daily operations and driving

Complete the pre-trip checklist to check for damage, maintenance needs, and cleanliness
Drive vehicle safely to and from work
Pick up and drop off riders in accordance with the mutually established route and schedule
Coordinate exchange of vehicle key and fuel card with the driver of the day
Minimal stops allowed during and along the regular approved commute route that is considered complementary to the commute (and does not exceed the group’s approved round-trip miles)
Drivers are responsible for paying any enforcement tickets, speeding, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane violation and other fines

Safe parking and vehicle storage

Park the vehicle off street in a driveway, garage or assigned parking space at their residence overnight
Alternative parking accommodations may be granted as an exception following review and approval by the Vanpool office
Follow all local parking requirements, laws, and signs
Drivers are responsible for paying any parking tickets or impound fees for parking violations while using a Metro vehicle, as well as any enforcement tickets, speeding, HOV lane violation and other fines.

Report fueling and mileage

Enter accurate odometer readings when fueling the vehicle
Communicate all miles traveled to the bookkeeper through month-end odometer readings, including any mileage traveled in loaner vehicles

Plan for alternate transportation

Have a plan for alternate transportation when the vehicle is not available such as unexpected schedule changes, during vehicle maintenance or severe weather

Handle emergencies and incidents

Handle emergencies and breakdowns
Report all vehicle incidents, damage, and issues immediately
Notify the Vanpool office of any moving violation, traffic citation or collision, even in their own vehicle

Serious injuries, vehicle or property damage, or missing or stolen vehicles must be reported immediately to law enforcement and the Vanpool office. This includes collisions or damage in a personal vehicle. A copy of the emergency procedures packet is included in the vehicle’s glove box.

Driver complaints

There may be times when the public or group participants voice complaints about an unsafe or questionable practice. Our office phone number is listed on the side of our vehicles, which makes it easy for public feedback to be reported.

While safety and improper parking are the most common complaints received by our office, complaints may also be about something occurring during the commute in the vehicle. All complaints are taken seriously and investigated by staff.

Types of complaints

All complaints received by Metro are treated seriously and investigated thoroughly. In general, there are 6 common types of complaints that we receive:

Safety
The most common complaint is aggressive driving such as tailgating and cutting-off others when merging or switching lanes. Remember, the highly visible logo and phone number invite public comment. Riders who feel unsafe may also call.
Group
Unresolved group conflict may be reported by any participant of the group. Remember to create and use operating guidelines and communicate early and often to avoid conflict.
Maintenance
As a driver, you are encouraged to stay in contact with Metro regarding your experiences with maintenance garages. Any criticism or commendation you provide helps in garage evaluations.
Parking
Always park your vehicle in its authorized location. Park legally and courteously. The driver must park the vehicle off the street in their driveway, garage, or assigned parking space. The group may also coordinate with the Vanpool office on alternative parking solutions.
Program
Complaints about program, procedures, or staff members should be directed to our office for awareness and further investigation.
Unauthorized use
Reports of fewer than three people commuting, personal use, business use, or any other trips outside of commuting to and from work will be reviewed to determine the mileage used for that trip. All unauthorized mileage is charged at $0.60 per mile and will be recorded in the driver's account.

Can I use a Metro vehicle for a personal trip?

Vanpools may not be used for any personal use. Groups may round up to the nearest 5-mile increment for daily round-trip miles, which will provide mileage cushion for fueling and washing the vehicle, driver exchanges, detours, and other vehicle-related maintenance and upkeep.

You may also use this cushion of miles for minimal stops during and along your regular approved commute route that are considered complementary to the commute if they do not exceed the group’s approved round-trip miles. For more info, contact the Vanpool office.

Examples of prohibited uses

Driving outside the state or more than 200 miles from Seattle
Using a Metro vehicle for hire (for example, Uber, Lyft or taxi services).
Transporting any people or groups without express authorization from Metro, including sports teams, school, youth, scouting, senior or community groups
Using a Metro vehicle for business purposes during work hours to travel or transport coworkers to meetings or other functions
Towing or hauling garbage, debris, excessive loads, heavy loads or items, trailers, recreational vehicles, lumber, mattresses or animals
Transporting anything other than the allowable passenger limit
Using a Metro vehicle for off-road, recreational travel or ski trips
Traveling over mountain passes during snow, unless for an authorized commute route
Driving over bridges or roads that post a maximum capacity of 4 tons or less

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse