Community Transit

Van GO Grants Keep Our Community Moving

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.

Community Transit has granted 96 vehicles to non-profit organizations in Snohomish County to provide transportation services to the residents we serve.

Interested applicants are invited to attend a Pre-Application Workshop that will be held Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Community Transit Board Room, 7100 Hardeson Road, Everett.  This workshop will provide applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the application process, selection criteria, and vehicle maintenance, mileage and upkeep.  Several vehicles will be available for inspection after the workshop.

2011 Van GO Schedule

Application Submittal

Download application packet: Microsoft Word file or Adobe PDF

Paper applications must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2011.

Electronic or hand-delivered applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on October 31, 2011. Electronic applications must be followed by a hard copy containing the appropriate certification signatures.

Applications should be sent to:

Debbie Anderson, Transportation Demand Management and Outreach Specialist
Community Transit
7100 Hardeson Road
Everett, WA  98203-5834

For eligibility or application questions, email vango at commtrans dot org or call (425) 438-6136.

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.

Surplus vehicles to be granted in 2011 as described below:

• Up to ten 8-passenger vans (no wheelchair lifts). Chevrolet Astro Van, gas engine, automatic transmission, approximately 150,000 miles.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Read about the
2010 Van GO winners
 

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 at (425) 438-6136 or vango at commtrans dot 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.