Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
Welcome to the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute's website!   Celebrating seventeen years of 'connecting people, place and community'.
Our main program areas include Watershed Restoration, Environmental Education, Transportation, Community Food Systems, and Energy.  Check them out!
Find out about upcoming events, links to useful websites, local issues, and answers to some of your pressing questions.
Vist the issues and events surrounding some special places around the palouse...
Make a donation, become a PCEI member, sign up to volunteer, or learn about fellow supporters of this rapidly growing organization! Learn about our history, download and read our past newsletters, and find out about possible internships or job openings. Get directions to our office, or contact our board or staff members.
home/transportation/vanpool.htm  








Ride the VanPool
PCEI has served as the local catalyst and matchmaker for individuals wishing to carpool to work or school within the Palouse-Clearwater region. We own and operate a regional VanPool system with support from the Idaho Transportation Department and matching funds from local supporters (below) including the University of Idaho.
Save gas and time
The VanPool system is designed to reduce commuter traffic between Moscow and Lewiston, and between Orofino and Lewiston. In one year, this volunteer-driven van saved 4,000 gallons of fuel by reducing vehicle miles traveled of 12 University of Idaho employees.

Connect with any of the region's fixed route buses
Now you can save on taxes!
The Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) provides financial incentives to employees and employers to use transit and vanpools.

CURRENT LAW ALLOWS THE FOLLOWING:
Employers may provide up to $110 per month ($1,320 per year) to their employees as a tax-free benefit to commute by transit or vanpools. This option allows employees to use their own salary on a pretax basis to pay the vanpool fee, resulting in substantial tax savings and cost reductions for those riding the PCEI VanPool!

For more information, go to http://www.commuterservices.com/faqchoice.htm

The information presented here does not constitute official tax guidance or a ruling by the United States Government. Taxpayers are urged to consult with the Internal Revenue Service of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or a tax professional for specific guidance on any matters related to Federal tax law.
Read how riding the VanPool can save money on your taxes!

Our VanPool routes include:
LEWISTON ->MOSCOW VanPool Route
Cost: $120/month

Fall-Spring VanPool Schedule: August 20, 2007 and ending May 9, 2008

(depending on the weather conditions)

Morning:
  • Leaves: 7:00am Community Center in downtown Lewiston
  • Arrives: 7:45am University of Idaho SUB parking lot


Evening:
  • Leaves: 5:00 University of Idaho Commons
  • Arrives: 5:45pm Lewiston Community Center


Summer VanPool Schedule: May 10, 2008-August 21, 2008


Morning:

  • Leaves: 6:30am Community Center in downtown Lewiston
  • Arrives: 7:10am University of Idaho SUB parking lot
Evening:
  • Leaves: 4:35pm UI Commons
  • Arrives: 5:10pm Lewiston Community Center

Connect with Moscow's new fixed route service.

Signing up for the VanPool
If you would like to sign up as a VanPool commuter on one of these vans, contact PCEI at jen@pcei.org or call Jen Hiebert at 208-882-1444. Commuters destined for Washington State University should check out the WSU Transportation Alternatives Website.
Idaho Rideshare Enhancement Funds Received
In January 2003, PCEI received state rideshare funds from the Idaho Transportation Department through a cooperative agreement with the City of Lewiston, Idaho. The funds will help to market, promote and enhance our VanPool Network. PCEI Executive Director, Tom Lamar (far right) was recently interviewed about the VanPool by Lewiston Human Resource Director, Mark Brigham (suit) for the local access show, City Beat. Also shown attaching a microphone is Lawrence Norris.

The television production studio at the Lewis and Clark State College IT/Media Services department.
Thank you VanPool Supporters
A grant from the Idaho Transportation Department for 80% of the cost of the vehicles was provided to PCEI through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program in 1994. PCEI also received matching funds for the remaining 20% from the following entities:


last update: 5/7/2008

Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
P.O. Box 8596 • Moscow ID 83843 • (208) 882-1444 • info@pcei.orghttp://www.pcei.org