Now Accepting Applications for Van GO Grants

What is Van GO?

Van GO originated in 2000 following route cuts and eliminations due to the passage of I-695. At its regular February 3, 2000 meeting, 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.

Since then, Community Transit has granted 126 vehicles to non-profit organization in Snohomish County to provide transportation services to residents. Vehicles that are earmarked for surplus auction are instead granted to non-profit agencies. Usually, retired Community Transit vans sold at auction net a few thousand dollars each for the agency. By granting some of these surplus vehicles to community groups, they can continue to provide many times that value in transportation services.

Apply Today

On June 1, 2017, Community Transit’s Chief Executive Officer, Emmett Heath, presented to the Board of Directors his intent to grant, in accordance with Board Resolution 08-02, two 16-passenger wheelchair equipped vehicles and eight 7-passenger vans to the community to enhance transportation services to Snohomish County residents.

Vehicle Descriptions
Up to ten surplus vehicles will be granted as described below:

• Two 16-passenger vehicles (with wheelchair lifts). 2011 Ford Supreme Senators, gas engines, automatic transmissions, with approximately 160,000 miles. CDL license required to operate. Fair Market Value of the vehicles is approximately $23,000 each.

• Eight 7-passenger vans (no wheelchair lifts).  2007 Chevrolet Uplander, gas engines, automatic transmissions, with approximately 100,000 miles.  Fair Market Value of the vehicles is approximately $6,200 each. 

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. 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: Debbie Anderson, Van GO Program, at (425) 438-6136.

Application Schedule

Application Submittal 
Complete the online application form. The application is also available as a Word document. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible to accurately portray your agency, how you would use a Van GO vehicle if you are awarded and how this grant would help offset transportation difficulties within your agency.  

Electronic or hand-delivered applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2017.

Debbie Anderson, Van GO Program
Community Transit
7100 Hardeson Road
Everett, WA  98203-5834
Phone/Fax: (425) 438-6136
E-mail:  VanGO@commtrans.org