For the Reporter

King County will deliver retired Metro Transit Vanpool vans to the Auburn Food Bank and Valley Cities Counseling to provide transportation for low-income, elderly or young adults, or people with disabilities.

The vanpool program provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles.

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 county sells the vehicles that are not donated.

In 1996, the council made its first donation of surplus vans. In 20 years more than 500 retired vans have been transferred to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for the disabled, low-income, young adults and senior citizens.

“Twenty years ago, I introduced legislation to ‘recycle’ retired vans and help fill a community need,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “As a result, hundreds of non-profit organizations in King County have been able to provide transportation assistance to people with a wide range of needs. I am proud of the legacy of this program, and I know that it will continue to be a critical lifeline to improve the quality of life for our neighbors in King County.”

Interested organizations in the Auburn area may contact von Reichbauer (206-477-1007 or pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov) for more information on applying for a vehicle.