From King County: After years of being faithful county employees, three dozen recently "retired" King County Metro Vanpool vans are preparing for a future of helping meet the transportation needs of county residents. The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously adopted a motion transferring the vehicles to local governments and community programs to provide transportation assistance.

"This program has been a huge success during my time on the Council," said Council Chair Joe McDermott. "I am pleased to award the vans to deserving recipients again this year, as access to a reliable vehicle can increase access to vital services and programs." "Donating our decommissioned Metro Vans to nonprofits gives these vehicles 'second lives' serving senior centers, homeless shelters, and countless other organizations throughout the County," said Council Vice Chair Kathy Lambert. "It is such a joy each year to deliver these vans to their new home! It's fun to see all the opportunities it brings to various communities."

"The van donation program allows the King County Council to provide direct support to nonprofits in our communities," said Council Vice Chair Claudia Balducci. "'Retired,' but still useable, vanpool vans give people better access to critical services and enriching programs." 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 retired Metro vans are a tangible way we can help our community-based organizations," said Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. "I look forward to seeing the amazing work the South King County recipients will do with their new vans" "These vans have a lot of miles left in them and it is heartening to know that they will be put to good use by organizations that help those in need and make our community a better place to live," said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. "Many in our community are hurting and sometimes finding a way to assist those organizations that help them can seem daunting and overwhelming. The van donation program reminds us that even little actions can make a big difference."

"Repurposing retired Metro vans both maximizes County resources and allows community organizations to better serve residents," said Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

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

"Since I first introduced the legislation to create the van donation program 22 years ago, King County has successfully recycled almost 600 vans in the service of helping some of our most vulnerable population," said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. "These 'retired' vans provide a critical lifeline for low-income, elderly, disabled and young people, by facilitating their ability to be productive and engaged members of their communities." "Every year I look forward to the opportunity to aid nonprofit organizations doing amazing work across King County," said Councilmember Rod Dembowski. "It is a privilege to donate retired Metro vans to these tremendous organizations, who will put them to great use serving the community. From transporting kids to recreational activities to delivering seniors to medical appointments, I can't wait to see these vans back out on the road."