Van GO: Surplus Vehicle Grant Program

Through Community Transit's Van GO program, vehicles that are earmarked for surplus auction are instead granted to non-profit agencies.

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 136 vehicles to non-profit organizations in Snohomish County to provide transportation services to residents. 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.

Vehicle Descriptions

Vehicles that are earmarked for surplus auction will instead be 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.

Up to ten surplus vehicles will be granted in 2019 as described below:

• Six 15-passenger vehicles (no wheelchair lifts). 2007 or 2008 Chevrolet Express 1500, gas engines, automatic transmissions, with approximately 100,000 miles.
• Four 7-passenger vans (no wheelchair lifts).  2008 Chevrolet Uplander, gas engines, automatic transmissions, with approximately 100,000 miles. 
  

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. 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 Kristen Ryan at (425) 348-7196 or vango@commtrans.org.

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.
• Applicant 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 their 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%) 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%) Clearly define and document the number of passenger trips to be provided annually.
3. Clarity and Quality (weighted 15%) 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%) Describe how your current and proposed service coordinates with other transportation services in the area to ensure broad community benefit.

Application Schedule