Van-Leasing Program Targets Farm Workers

Kings County has launched the nation’s first van-pool program for farm workers. Officials showed off new white vans Wednesday that farm workers can lease to drive co-workers to the fields or packinghouses. The vans meet new safety regulations required for vehicles that transport farm workers.

Commuting safety has been a major concern in recent years after a series of deadly crashes, including one near Five Points in 1999 that killed 13 tomato pickers

Using $3 million of state and federal money, 48 vans and four buses have been purchased. The program initially will provide transportation in Kings, Tulare and Kern counties but spread to Fresno this summer after funding increases to $5million. It is expected to provide transportation to 100,000 workers.