Community Transit

Van GO Grants
Keep Community Moving

Van GO is a novel vehicle award program created by Community Transit to improve transportation in the community. This year’s program is timed to help offset some of the impacts of the proposed cuts to Community Transit bus and paratransit service.

Agencies receiving Van Go grants in 2010 were announced at the May 6 Community Transit Board meeting. See the news release here.

• Calvary Fellowship, Boy Scouts of America and Mission 2 Mentor, Mountlake Terrace
• Cocoon House, Everett
• Crescendo Artistic Environment School, Edmonds
• Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, Everett
• Faith Heritage Church, Everett
• Greater Trinity Christian Learning Academy, Everett
• Mukilteo Seniors
• Oxford House, Snohomish County
• Stanwood United Methodist Church and Josephine Sunset Home
• Village Community Services, North Snohomish County

What is Van GO?

Van GO originated in 2000 after Community Transit service was cut due to the elimination of state funding for transit following the passage of I-695. On Feb. 3, 2000, Community Transit’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a staff proposal that six wheelchair accessible minibuses and six 15-passenger vans be granted to qualifying non-profit organizations throughout Snohomish County. The goal was to ease some of the pain for senior citizens, the disabled and youth caused by the service cuts. Thus Van GO was born!

Since then, Community Transit has granted 84 vehicles to non-profit organizations in Snohomish County to provide transportation services to residents. The Van GO concept has been duplicated by transit agencies elsewhere in Washington state and throughout the country.

Vehicle Descriptions

Older vehicles, whether vanpool vans, paratransit mini-buses or staff service vehicles, are earmarked for surplus auction after their useful life at Community Transit. Under Van GO, some of the surplus vehicles are set aside to be granted to non-profit agencies through a competitive process. By granting some of these surplus vehicles to community groups, they can continue to provide valuable transportation services.

Twelve surplus vehicles will be granted in 2010 as described below:

• Three 14-passenger mini-buses with wheelchair lift. 2003 El Dorado Aerotech 24FA, diesel engines, automatic transmissions, approximately 220,000 miles.
• Six 8-passenger vans (no wheelchair lifts). 2000 Chevrolet Astro Van, gas engines, automatic transmission, approximately 100,000 miles.
• Three 12-passenger vans (no wheelchair lifts). 2004 Ford E350 Wagon, gas engines, automatic transmission, approximately 100,000 miles.

Van GO Schedule

• Application Submittal: March 5 – April 30
• Applicant Workshop: 11 a.m. April 1 at Community Transit
• Application Review and Scoring: May 1– May 14
• Vehicle Awards Ceremony June 3
• Estimated Date of Vehicle Delivery to Recipients June 21 - 25

Van GO Eligibility

All non-profit organizations and agencies with 501(c)3 status, who primarily serve residents of the Snohomish County Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) , are eligible. The PTBA serves all incorporated cities and towns in Snohomish County with the exception of the City of Everett (see map - pdf). The PTBA also includes the Tulalip Reservation and portions of unincorporated Snohomish County.

Questions about eligibility, limits of the PTBA and other questions about the program should be directed to vango at commtrans dot org or (425) 348-7185.

Other Rules and Requirements

• Vehicle must be used for transportation-related purposes for citizens who live within Community Transit’s public transportation benefit area.
• Only one vehicle will be awarded per agency/organization in an 18-month time frame.
• Application must include clear designation of primary applicant who will be named as buyer on vehicle title, if selected as a recipient.
• Applicant must certify they have the financial and management capacity to insure granted vehicle, if selected as a recipient.
• Applicant must certify they have the financial and management capacity to maintain vehicle in good working condition.
• Applicant must provide a copy of IRS 501(c)3 non-profit certification.
• Recipients are required to sign an agreement relating to the exchange of vehicles for transit-related services. A sample agreement is included in the application packet.

Selection Criteria Summary

The selection process is competitive and involves a review and evaluation process using the weighted criteria identified below. In addition to these specific criteria, geographic equity, diversity in population groups served, and whether an agency has received a grant vehicle previously will be used as balancing factors in making final decisions.

1. Demonstrated Community Benefit (weighted 50 percent) Explain clearly the scope and nature of your agency’s transportation need and what data you have to support that need. Include what service you currently utilize, what other options are available to your organization and how your program will meet that need and coordinate with other programs to get maximum use.
2. Total Number of Trips Provided (weighted 20 percent) Clearly define and document the number of passenger trips you expect to provide annually.
3. Clarity and Quality (weighted 15 percent) Applications will be rated on content, clarity, presentation and quality of application proposal – based on legibility, completeness, provision of data and clear definition of transportation needs and planned vehicle use.
4. Service Coordination (weighted 15 percent) Describe how your current and proposed service coordinates with other transportation services in the area to ensure broad community benefit.