• Determining the feasibility of starting a van pool
• Coordinating van pool information
• Assistance in recruiting passengers.

• Late model commuter van provided by The TMA Group
• Saving money on insurance, vehicle maintenance and gas
• All participants are registered for the free Guarantee Ride Home program - in the case of an unplanned emergency, a ride is always available
• Reducing stress; arrive to work refreshed
• Reducing wear and tear on your personal car
• Decreasing traffic congestion - a full van removes five to fourteen cars off the road

Beginning in September the Vancentives Reward Program is The TMA Group's way to recognize and thank vanpool drivers and riders for their efforts in implementing and maintaining The TMA Group's vanpool program.

The Vancentives Rewards Program is simple, with three ways to reap rewards:

1. New Vanpooler Reward - become a new vanpool rider* and receive a $25 voucher toward your monthly fare for six months. (*A new vanpool rider is someone who has not participated in a TMA or RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) van in the past three months).
2. Recruiter Reward - recruit a new vanpool rider and receive a $25 gift card. The new rider must participate in the program a minimum of 3 months and be a full-time rider. Gift card will be rewarded at the end of three months participation as a vanpool rider.
3. Driver Reward - become a full-time primary vanpool driver and receive a $100 gift card. Gift card will be rewarded at the end of six months participation as a primary driver.

Eligibility is open to individuals: who want to save time and money by joining a vanpool or those currently enrolled as participants of The TMA Group and RTA vanpool program.

For more information, contact MiMi Lee at The TMA Group, 615.790.4005 mimi@tmagroup.org

Starting reaping your rewards today!

Who does the driving? A commuter like you! Drivers are responsible for picking up and delivering passengers, arranging for van maintenance, fueling the van and collecting monthly fares. The driver may drive every day or share the driving with back-up drivers.

Does the van offer door-to-door service? Each van pool group sets its own route and schedule. Most vans have common meeting points, which reduce the overall travel time and expense.

Who recruits new passengers? The TMA Group assists in filling empty seats through the ride matching service provided by RTA (Regional Transportation Authority), employer contacts and recruitment materials. Participants share the responsibility of keeping the van fill and fares low by recruiting as well.

Your "Commuter Insurance" Guarantee Against Being Stranded!

A lot of individuals like the idea of sharing the commute but worry about being stranded without a ride in case of an unplanned emergency. The TMA Group's Emergency Ride Home program is the answer! This program removes all obstacles to van pooling, because The TMA Group will provide a free trip home for registered van poolers experiencing an unplanned emergency.

The Emergency Ride Home program provides a free ride home using taxicabs (trips up to 25 miles) and rental cars (trips over 25 miles) for registered participants who van pool a minimum of three times per week and have an unplanned emergency. An unplanned emergency is defined as:

1. The employee or a family member suffers an illness during the work day, forcing the employee to leave work early.
2. The employee unexpectedly works past normal quitting time at the supervisor's request with no advance notice.
3. The employee's van pool driver must unexpectedly leave work early.

The Emergency Ride Home program may not be used for personal errands, pre-planned medical appointments, business-related travel or working late without a supervisor's request.