With rising transportation costs, longer commutes and growing parking challenges, more Middle Tennessee employers and employees are exploring commute benefits. But what options are available, and how do they work? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. What are commute benefits? Commute benefits are programs employers offer to help employees travel…

New national research highlights why shared commuting remains essential—and what it takes to make it successful. Carpooling has long been recognized as an effective way to reduce traffic congestion, lower commuting costs and improve air quality. Yet despite these benefits, fewer Americans are sharing rides to work. According to the Association for Commuter Transportation’s (ACT)…

This month VanStar delivered a new Ford Explorer to a rideshare group at Caterpillar. These employees commute from Clarksville to Nashville Monday through Friday. One of the riders will be saving $800 a month on gas for her car. All of these riders are enjoying commuting together and finding better parking when they arrive at…

VanStar recently partnered with Marine Corps veteran, author, and Veteran With A Sign creator Zachary Bell to showcase the many benefits of ridesharing for commuters across Middle Tennessee. Known for using humor, authenticity, and relatable storytelling, Bell has built a nationwide following by connecting with veterans and everyday Americans while promoting community, resilience, and mental health awareness. Through…

Parking at the office can be one of the most underestimated employee experience issues.  Across industries, parking affects recruitment, retention, productivity, stress levels, and even employees’ willingness to return to the office. Some of the issues include – Availability and Capacity – Not enough parking spaces and long waitlists for parking permits Cost – High…

The first VanStar vanpool serving Amazon’s BNA12 Operations Center of Excellence is officially on the road, giving employees from Mt. Juliet a smarter, more affordable way to commute to downtown Nashville. The new vanpool travels approximately 23 miles each way between Mt. Juliet and Amazon’s offices at 1010 Church Street, helping employees avoid the rising…

Vanstar is continuing to grow its fleet with the addition of new Ford Explorers, providing riders with even more flexibility and transportation options across Middle Tennessee. Joining an extensive lineup that already includes vehicles such as the Toyota Sienna and passenger vans, the Ford Explorers will help support Vanstar’s expanding rideshare network across 14 counties.…

Across Middle Tennessee, the VanStar vanpool program is doing far more than getting people to work—it’s generating measurable economic impact for riders, strengthening employer competitiveness, and fueling regional prosperity. A Direct Financial Win for Riders For VanStar commuters, the most immediate impact is financial. In FY2026 alone, riders are projected to save more than $1.8 million in total…

Lisa McMahan has been riding with TMA Group’s VanStar ridesharing program for more than 15 years.  She rides five days a week from Spring Hill in one of the twelve VanStar rideshare groups that transport Vanderbilt employees from throughout Middle Tennessee to Vanderbilt and VA campuses. VanStar is a Middle Tennessee rideshare solution that connects…