Transportation Incentive Program offers reimbursement for commuters Published July 14, 2008 By Mark Klee Air Force Flight Test Center EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- To offset rising commuting costs, base personnel may apply for the Transportation Incentive program. Participants are eligible to be reimbursed up to $115 per month. The incentive program is open to all active duty military personnel, Guardsmen and Reservists serving on active-duty as well as Department of Defense civilians. Civilian contractors are not eligible for the program. Participants may not purchase a personal van to start a van pool. They also may not use or rent a van allocated for another purpose. To create a van pool, it suggested that participants rent a van from a certified transportation authority. This ensures that the van is a certified ride-share van. The designated vehicle must have seating to accommodate a minimum of eight passengers. The number of people transported must be at least half the van's adult seating capacity, not including the driver. To join the program the group must already be formed and have a certified van to use. In order to get reimbursed, 80 percent of the van's mileage must be used for commuting to and from work. The Incentive Program is not a benefit or entitlement. The amount that applicants receive may increase or decrease based on budget constraints. To receive the reimbursements, the application must be submitted by the 15th of each month and will become effective the following month. Along with the application participants must also submit a copy of the rental contract to ensure that the van is certified to be used as a ride-share van. For more information about starting a van pool, call 277-4616.