The 11 riders in Commuter Club’s Van No. 50 don’t know the meaning of road rage. Their motto during the morning and afternoon commute is, “Don’t Worry. Be Happy,” and that’s exactly what they’ve been calling themselves since forming their vanpool four years ago.

“One of the highlights is the cake we get to celebrate birthdays,” said rider Freddie Johnson. “We also have doughnuts and occasionally do breakfast together at a restaurant.”

The Don’t Worry Be Happy vanpool crew doesn’t stop at birthday celebrations. They listen to seasonal music during the holidays, present new riders with smiley face umbrellas and welcome gifts, send get well cards for riders out sick and hold an annual celebration luncheon to recognize riders and drivers for their contributions to the vanpool.

The van has no problem filling seats when a rider has to drop out. Their reputation for having fun means that people beg to be part of it.

“A couple of people left because we are early risers, but for the rest of us, the savings outweigh the need to sleep in. Plus we can sleep on the van and still get to work refreshed,” said Freddie.

Twenty employees who have worked in the Cumberland area have vanpooled on the Don’t Worry Be Happy Van since its inception, and they all remain close friends due to the bonds formed during the commute. One former ‘pool partner had a baby a few years back and still keeps everyone updated with pictures on a regular basis. The current riders enjoy reading and talking about current events … all while sharing an abundance of good humor.

Says Freddie of the Don’t Worry Be Happy Van: “There is a lot of laughter.”

More than 500 vanpools are now running in the metro Atlanta region, keeping clean commuters happier than solo drivers. To learn more about vanpools in your area with empty seats, turn to www.MyRideSmart.com.