SFS allows limited taxi service access

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Security Forces Squadron here recently changed a policy to allow base personnel to use a preapproved commercial taxi cab service when traveling on or off the installation.

The change follows a thorough vetting process of a locally-based company and its drivers.

“Anyone interested in taking a taxi cab on or off the installation must contact the company direct and make it clear the location is to Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Tech. Sgt. Ira Sollace, 66 SFS Police Services NCO in charge. “After scheduling an on-base pick up with the preapproved company, the customer must then contact Security Forces at 781-225-5000.”

The rider must provide the SFS desk sergeant with the company's name, their own name and pickup location on base, he added.

“Any preapproved taxi driver attempting to enter the installation for the purpose of pick up or drop off will need to provide the gate sentry their credentials,” Sollace said. “For drop off during normal operations, only one vehicle passenger is required to provide valid credentials before being allowed base access.”

SFS officials stressed that the one properly credential individual may vouch for all other occupants of the vehicle. However, any occupant who does not possess a base access credential must remain under escort the entire time they are on base.

“It’s important to note that if the required credentials from both the driver and a passenger cannot be provided, entry to Hanscom Air Force Base will be denied,” said Sollace.

Although only one company has requested and received permission to conduct business on the installation, base personnel may take other companies to the installation’s entry control points.

“If someone uses a taxi service other than the one that has been preapproved, they will not be allowed access and will be expected to walk or find other approved means of getting to their desired location on base,” he said.

The policy change only applies to taxi service. Airport shuttle service remains unchanged.

For those traveling on official Department of Defense orders, the 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron provides a free shuttle service, known as E-Shuttle, to Logan International Airport for Hanscom personnel. This no-cost service is available to base personnel departing from or arriving at Logan International Airport. For further information, visit this secure SharePoint site at https://cs2.eis.af.mil/sites/22388/eshuttle/default.aspx.  

“Over the past few years there has been an increase in ride-sharing in the local area,” Sollace said. “If attempting to gain access to the installation through a ride-sharing program such as Uber or Lyft, drivers and passengers must have proper base access credentials in order to enter the installation.”

To contact the preapproved taxi service, call 781-937-6000.

For further information about gaining access to Hanscom AFB, contact Police Services at 781-225-5605.