DEARBORN, MI - VPSI's use of Ford E-Series vanpools has helped take 14 million commuter vehicles off the nation's roadways each year, saving more than $73 million in fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by 259,000 tons.

Seventy-percent of VPSI's 5,000-vehicle fleet is comprised of Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 models, which transport more than 40,000 people in the United States to and from work each day, according to Ford.

"We believe we have the most ecological Ford vehicles on the road," said Steve Pederson, vice president, Fleet and Risk Management, VPSI, who calculated 150 passenger miles-per gallon savings by multiplying the 15 mpg achieved by Ford E-Series vans by 10 passengers. Some VPSI Ford commuter vanpools even seat as many as fifteen passengers.

VPSI defines a vanpool as a group of 7 to 15 people that commutes to and from work on a regular basis. VPSI provides the vehicle, a comprehensive maintenance and repair program, insurance and back-up vans. The group of commuters shares the monthly operating expense. 

According to Pederson, VPSI was able to get the base vehicles "manufactured to our specifications directly from the factory, which helped minimize waste." VPSI modified the Ford E-Series vans to include center aisle seating for easy boarding, reclining luxury seating, and individual overhead reading lights. 

"The vans are very comfortable, and they make commuting time more productive because passengers can read, catch up on their work, or even sleep while riding to work instead of coping with the daily grind of traffic congestion," said Pederson. 

Vanpooling also helps passengers reduce wear and tear on their personal vehicles and enables them to save money. The average vanpool commuter can save $5,000 per year, compared with the cost of driving to work alone, according to Michael Norvell, vice president, Business Development, VPSI.