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Started specifically to support working moms, founder and Norwalk resident Marta Jamrozik credits her own mom as largely inspiring her kid-friendly Uber-like car service and app.
“Both of my parents worked full-time while I was growing up,” said Jamrozik, “and as my husband and I start thinking of our own family planning, we want to support working parents, especially working moms. I see VanGo as a feminist company.”
Formerly a management consultant working at a Fortune 500 company, she launched the VanGo app in June of 2018, and the Norwalk-based company boasts over 1,000 (and growing) signups since, with hundreds using it regularly.
With carefully screened drivers requiring background checks, vehicle inspections, at least three years of childcare experience, and personal references, VanGo takes pre-teens and teens to and fro in Fairfield County. (At this time, no car seats or boosters are available.)
As you might expect, busy times include mornings from 6:30 to 8:30 and after-school hours into the evening. Rides start at $17. And no, there are no vans among its fleet.
Drivers have been recruited mostly by word of mouth, and over 85 percent of VanGo’s drivers, independent contractors, are moms themselves.
“Many of our drivers have full-time jobs,” said Jamrozik, “they’re teachers, nannies, and more. This is just a way for them to earn a little extra money while giving back to their community.”
Unlike Uber and Lyft, VanGo prefers pre-ordered rides, although VanGo will make every effort to make that appointment in sudden situations. Rides can be requested up to four weeks in advance by parents (and only parents can order rides), and the app will keep them informed with constant alerts along the way.
For more information or to download the app, visit VanGo.
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