Instead of heading to the used car lot, two retired Metro Transit vanpool vans will help transport young people thanks to Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Phillips.

Following the unanimous approval by the County Council of the King County Vanpool Program, Phillips announced that the Northwest Center and the North Seattle Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County will each receive one eight-passenger vehicle.

“The programs provided by these organizations are invaluable because both focus on our most valuable resource: the children of King County,” said Phillips. “I look forward to seeing these vans in their active ‘retirement’ throughout our community.”

The Northwest Center, which promotes growth, development and independence of persons with disabilities, will use their van to transport youth to and from activities throughout the region. Among the activities the van going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County will be used for are field trips, driving to drill team competitions and camping.

Since 1995, the King County Council has donated retired vans to nonprofit groups, and later local governments, to help meet the transportation needs of low-income, elderly or disabled residents.