Looking to beat the high cost of commuting? Look no further -- VanPool has arrived in Ithaca.

VPSI Inc., the national leader in commuter vanpool companies, is working with TCAT, Cornell, Ithaca College and other local employers to bring this highly efficient complement to traditional transit service to Tompkins County.

TCAT's community VanPool program is open to anyone commuting to -- or from -- Tompkins County. Typically, groups of five to 14 people share the ride in a commuter van provided by VPSI. The monthly fee, which takes into account the size of van, the number of people in the group and the monthly round-trip mileage, includes all maintenance and insurance costs and can even include fuel.

At recent information sessions held at Cornell and Ithaca College, commuters learned about the range of vehicle options, pricing models and incentives available to those joining a TCAT VanPool. For a set time, Cornell will offer special incentives to Cornell community members to give VanPool a try. For more information, contact Commuter and Parking Services at transportation@cornell.edu or visit http://www.commuting.cornell.edu.

Community members and employers can contact VPSI to learn more about the program and incentives and to be added to the list for a VanPool match. Call 1-800-VAN-RIDE or go to http://www.vanride.com for information on how to get started.