Big Boost for Vanpools: NJ Transit More than Doubles the Savings in 2026
You heard that right. Vanpools are in for 2026. NJ Transit has announced the major savings jump from $175 to $400 a month for its vanpool subsidy. This will become effective January 2026 for all eligible vanpools. The new subsidy will cover all 68 current vanpools and will cover up to 83 vanpools on a first-come, first-served basis until more funding becomes available. Longer commutes are the most cost effective, however, shorter trips can still save compared to driving alone.
Interested in Vanpooling?
GMTMA is here to help! Here are the details on how to get started and begin saving:
- Vanpools consist of 4-15 individuals who commute to work by van.
- SUVs and Vans are leased by a third-party vendor. GMTMAs provider is Enterprise.
- The lease on the van is month to month, so you only have a 30-day commitment.
- Apply to your local TMA based on where you work in NJ. Our TMA includes Mercer and Ocean County.
- Participants decide the driving, operating and cost sharing arrangements. Typically, there is one driver and one backup driver, but your van can operate as you choose.
Why Vanpool?
There are numerous reasons to vanpool for the commuter and employer. *(Statistics below are based from Commute with Enterprise 2023 report).
Save Money
- Cha-ching! The average participant saves a whopping $10,000 annually on fuel and maintenance costs when they commute with Enterprise. Calculate your estimated savings here.
- Enterprise covers all the maintenance and repairs. Say whaaat?! Yep. You just pay for gas and the monthly fee. But guess what, vanpoolers save on average $2,500 annually on fuel and $10,000 annually by putting less wear and tear on their own vehicle.
- Worried about life happening?! GMTMA provides an empty seat subsidy if you lose a rider and an emergency ride home program if you unexpectedly need to leave early or stay late.
Bonus Time
- More people in the van = Fewer people that have to drive. Get picked up, then sit back and relax. Vanpooling lets you be a passenger princess or prince. 👑
Sustainability
- More people in a vehicle = Less cars on the road = Less congestion = Less carbon emissions
- Cutting carbon emissions is cool! Companies that partnered with Enterprise reduced tailpipe CO2 emissions by 909 million lbs. Calculate your sustainability impact
Employers: Attract Talent and Retain Employees
- The savings and sustainability benefits help attract and retain employees! Keep your employees smiling😊.
- You choose how you want to support a program! Support can include a vanpool rider-matching program, incentives such as priority parking, and financial assistance.
- GMTMA can help you set up a program.
With NJ Transit’s subsidy increase, now is the time to commute by vanpool. For more information, check out these links below. Work in Mercer or Ocean county? Contact Emma Montemurro, emontemurro@gmtma.org or (609) 452-1491 ext. 231 to get started and get on the road with style.
Vanpooling – Commute with Enterprise