Vanpool users increase

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Since March 2008, the vanpool program at Edwards saw an increase of 42 to 142 users, a 250 percent increase. 

Vanpool program is implemented by an executive order requiring Federal agencies to establish transportation incentive programs to reduce Federal employee contribution to traffic congestion and air pollution and to expand commuting alternatives. 

"The purpose of the program is to encourage commuting by mass transportation and provide incentives to base employees," said Michael Maher, Air Force Flight Test Center Manpower and Personnel director. "Basically the Federal government wants to reduce gas consumption, traffic congestion and air pollution." 

A vanpool is similar to a carpool, except it involves more people, with a minimum of seven passengers required, said Mark Klee, AFFTC Manpower and Personnel systems resource manager. Currently, 12 vanpools are serving Edwards commuters from Tehachapi, San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley. 

To set up a vanpool, participants can rent a minimum of a nine-passenger van from a certified transportation authority to ensure the van is a certified ride-share van. Participants may not purchase a personal van to start a pool or rent a van allocated for another purpose. A minimum number of seven passengers are required. To join the program, the group must already be formed and have a certified van to use. 

Mr. Klee said using the vanpool program can help save money. 

"When you ride the van, even your travel costs will go down," he said. "It will minimize the wear and tear on your vehicle and (there are ) less out of pocket expenses." 

In addition, base personnel may apply for the Transportation Incentive program, where participants are eligible to be reimbursed up to $115 per month. The incentive program is open to all active-duty military, Guardsmen, active Reservists and Department of Defense civilians. 

Mr. Maher said vanpool members enjoy the camaraderie of having people to talk with as they ride back and forth. 

"I am very high on this program," he said. "We saw an exponential increase in the number of vanppols and riders when gas hit $4 a gallon. Now that the price of gas has gone back down, we are still increasing vanpools and riders. Once people realized what a good deal this is, they don't want it to end." 

For more information about starting a vanpool, call 277-4616.