By Richard Carrier
Contributing writer

Powhatan County now has an alternative to the solo commute.

RideFinders, a division of the GRTC Transit System, initiated the county’s first vanpool; one of 84 vanpools in the Richmond-Metro area, in October of 2008.

Vanpools provide small groups commuting in 9-, 12- or 15-passenger vans along a designated route to a common destination. The initial route in Powhatan County starts with a pick-up point in the Academy Road Food Lion parking lot.

Henry’s Market on Route 60 is the second stop for the van and Midlothian Village on Route 60 the van’s third stop. This first route terminates at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center.

Van pools and other RideFinders programs help commuters make smart transportation choices, according to Von S. Tisdale Executive Director for RideFinders.

“These programs are easy to incorporate into our lives, help reduce vehicle emissions, improve air quality and ease the financial burden during tough economic times,” she said.

RideFinders acknowledged the cooperation among their organization, the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Commission and its director Karin Carmack, as being essential to both getting these services started and their continued operation.

An informational program for county residents was kicked off at the County Fair last year and RideFinders hopes to generate even more interest resulting in expanding the services in the county.

Kevin Buser is the coordinator for the Powhatan County program and a source of information on the current program.

He can also offer tips on other available options for commuter transportation. Mr. Buser can be reached at (804) 675-5090.

Additional information can be found on the RideFinders web site, http://www.ridefinders.com or obtained through the local RideFinders office at (804) 643-7433.