The The King County Council has donated retired Metro Vanpool vans to local governments and community programs – including Auburn-based Nexus Youth and Families – to provide transportation help.

“Lack of transportation can be a major barrier for many nonprofit organizations in carrying out their mission,” said King Council Chair Joe McDermott. “The van donation program continues to be a great success, as we provide County resources that would otherwise be retired to organizations in need.”

The retired vans have been part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet for at least six years and have reached the end of their service life. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus. The vehicles that are not donated are sold by the County.

“The van donations program is an example of government at its best,” said King County Council member Pete von Reichbauer, who initiated the first program more than 20 years ago. “In their retirement, these vans provide our most vulnerable citizens with a lifeline to their neighbors and communities.”

In 1996, the council made its first donation of surplus vans. Over the last two decades, more than 550 vans have been transferred to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for the disabled, low-income, young adults and senior citizens.