Money Monday: South Florida Vanpool

WSVN -- Edita Cayo-Valdes used to hate driving to and from work, but not since she joined South Florida Vanpool. Now, she shares her 58 mile round-trip commute.

Edita Cayo-Valdes: "It's really, really worth it and it's a great asset for everybody."

South Florida Vanpool leases vans to commuters in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Annie Arguello: "A Vanpool is basically a group of six to 15 peope that all generally live in the same area, share the same work hours and generally work in the same area that all decide they're going to commute together."

The program also provides an insurance package, van maintenance, roadside assistance and a fuel purchasing program.

Annie Arguello: "The more people you have, the smaller the piece of the pie that you pay."

The cost of a lease averages about $900 a month, but it varies depending on the number of people in the Vanpool and the distance they drive.

Cecelia Wolff: "They provide us with a van and all the services- maintenance- everything is included it makes it less expensive than each of us going in our own cars."

And since they're not driving their personal cars to work, Vanpoolers also save on wear and tear and personal car insurance.

Edita Cayo-Valdes: "The insurance is less because I don't declare that I use the car to work, so immediately State Farm gives you a reduction on the insurance premium."

And the program is subsidizedfor even more savings.

Annie Arguello: "The Metropolitan Planning Organization of the Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties they actually provide a $400 subsidy towards the lease of the Vanpool to each Vanpool group."

To be eligible for the Vanpool program you must have a valid Florida driver's license and be at least 25 years old with a good driving record.

Sharing the ride, the expense and good times as well.

Edita Cayo-Valdes: "We are 10 years in the program. We are very good clients. We pay on time and we have wonderful time together."

Lynn Martinez: "The Vanpool program is offered on a month to month basis with no long term commitment required."

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