Sammamish Seeks Volunteer Drivers For Community Rideshare Program

SAMMAMISH, WA — The City of Samammish and King County Metro are seeking volunteers to drive vans carrying their fellow community members.

It's all part of a new community van pilot program, which allows residents to request a van to pick them up, and take them on shared rides to popular destinations throughout the area. Rides are available through the day and in the evening on both weekdays and weekends.

Here's how it works:

• A passenger fills out a trip request form to either request a new trip, or to find a pre-scheduled van trip.
• The passenger then pays the regular bus fare of $2.75 using the Transit to Go App on their phone. Orca Card Monthly passes also work. The fare covers round trip to and from their destination.
• A van then picks the rider up, along with anyone else scheduled along the same route, and takes the passengers to their shared destination.
• Passengers can also request solo trips if necessary.

But the program won't work without volunteer drivers, which is why organizers are asking members of the public to come forward and help out.

Drivers can set their own schedule, including how many trips they drive and how many times they drive each week. They only requirement is that drivers must be at lower risk for COVID-19, so under 60-year-old, not pregnant and without any underlying health conditions. Drivers and passengers must also wear masks and gloves, and the vehicle will be sanitized between each trip.

To become a driver, volunteers just need to fill out this Driver Application form, then email the form to communityvan@sammamish.us. After they receive the application, King County Metro says they will contact volunteers and get them set up with an orientation.