HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Administrators of a ride share program here announced that a monthly subsidy used to offset the commuting cost for federal employees has increased.
The increase covers the monthly fee and gas for an SUV or van for each commuter coming to Hanscom Air Force Base.
"The Hanscom van pool program is ideal for individuals commuting from the same general location with similar duty hours," said Scott Sheehan, 66th Civil Engineering Division environmental engineer.
Officials load up to $265 per month via a debit card issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Funds are loaded onto the card on the tenth day of each month.
“The debit cards are accepted by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and by Enterprise-Rideshare, the vanpool provider that services Hanscom AFB,” said John Tamvaklis, Hanscom Commuter Management Office program manager.
Program officials hope the subsidy results in greater interest in the commuting program.
“The subsidy is available to eligible federal and military employees at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Tamvaklis. “Depending on where they are commuting from, participants can save approximately $1,500 annually in gas and more on the wear and tear on their vehicle.”
Other benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
"Based on the number of commuting miles that have been eliminated by those participating in the program at Hanscom, we estimate that greenhouse gas emissions have been cut by more than one million pounds per year," Sheehan said.
Sheehan also estimates that up to 100 fewer vehicles commute to Hanscom Monday through Friday as a result of the program.
While contractors are not eligible for the subsidy, some employers may offer similar incentive programs.
“Contractors are able to participate in the Hanscom vanpool program regardless of their eligibility for transit subsidies,” Sheehan said.
There are currently more than 30 vanpools in operation at Hanscom.
Anyone interested in joining a van pool can email the Hanscom Environmental Office at 66ABG.CEIE.HanscomCommuters@us.af.mil.
Participation in a van pool includes enrollment in the free Emergency Ride Home program. This program reimburses employees for up to four taxi rides per year to get home in case of unexpected illness of the participant or family member or unscheduled overtime. Costs must not exceed $100 per use.
The 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron offers members of the workforce a free taxi service for official business during normal business hours. The program provides free shuttle service around base for official government business.
For further information about the commuting program, contact Tamvaklis at 781-225-6151.