Hanscom recognized for having excellent commuter options

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom received the highest honor during the first annual Massachusetts Excellence in Commuter Options award ceremony at the state house on April 1.

Three levels of awards were presented to recognize the contributions in the field of commuter options that Massachusetts employers have made toward creating a more sustainable and healthier state. Hanscom received the highest level, called the Pinnacle.

Col. Lee Pritchard, 66th Air Base Group vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. Al Thompson, 66th Air Base Group superintendant, and Greg Cravedi, environmental specialist in the Environmental Management Office, attended to accept the award.

To receive the Pinnacle award, employers must meet the qualifications for the first two levels, plus offer additional commuter benefits. To meet the first two levels, employers had to offer options such as a ride matching system, actively promote the formation of vanpools or carpools and allow for flexible work schedules or telework.

Employers must also be MassRIDES partners and TMA members.

Mr. Cravedi thinks receiving the recognition is an accomplishment.

"Our commuter program is a way to help people and the environment," he said.

Although Hanscom already offers many options for commuters, the Environmental Management Office hopes to implement even more programs in the future.

"We are offering a new commuter incentive program called NuRides. It is a voluntary, free program where eligible commuters earn points towards various gifts, such as free lunch sandwiches or ski tickets," said Mr. Cravedi.

More information about the new program will be available soon.

"We're also developing another shuttle service," Mr. Cravedi said. "It is in early stages, but expect a basewide survey going out soon to gauge interest."

Hanscom partners with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, through MassRIDES, the statewide travel options program, and MassCommute, the Massuchusetts Council of Transportation Management Association (TMA), to support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through decreased drive-alone trips while encouraging employees to travel to work by transit, carpools, vanpools, bicycling, walking or through the support of telework programs.

For further information about commuting options at Hanscom, visit ESC CenterNet and select the Commuter eBoard option under Quicklinks or call the Transportation Demand Management Program at 781-377-7950 or 781-377-2904.