Commuters interested in learning about the cost savings and many other benefits of vanpooling are invited to attend an information seminar from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the BorgWarner Board Room (West), Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green St..

TCAT has contracted with VPSI, Inc., based in Troy, Mich., to provide the vehicles and administrative support for a community vanpool program. VPSI representative Jesse Kafka will be at the meeting to describe the service and answer questions.

A vanpool is a group of five to 15 people who commute together on a regular basis in a comfortable commuter van. Commuters live and work near each another. Typically these commuters do not live near a fixed bus route.

One person volunteers to be the coordinator of the vanpool, while others may elect to be alternate drivers. The members of the vanpool set their own daily schedule and commute route.

The van itself, along with insurance, maintenance and repairs, is provided. Members of the vanpool do share the cost of the service, but -- especially when subsidized by an employer -- the savings compared to owning and operating individual vehicles can be substantial.

For more information or to sign up for a vanpool to commute to work, visit www-VanRide.com, or call 1-800-Van-Ride (826-7433)