Nashua-based Hanscom commuters enjoy new option

  • Published
  • By Monica D. Morales
  • 66th ABW Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Cat naps and commutes don't normally mix, but it's an acceptable option for some Hanscom employees taking advantage of a corporate shuttle service now offered between the base and Nashua, N.H.

"It's a comfortable bus with reclining seats, and has light so you can read a book or just sleep," said Galen Williams, a commuter who works in the 554th Electronic Systems Wing. "It definitely gives you some time to decompress on your way home and reduces the stress of getting on Route 3." 

In January, TransAction Corporate Shuttles began operating a corporate shuttle Monday through Friday between Hanscom and the Park and Ride facility at exit 5W off Route 3 on Route 111 in Nashua.

The shuttles depart at 6 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. with arrivals at Hanscom at approximately 6:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively. Riders are dropped off and picked up at a location convenient to their work site. Afternoon return shuttles depart at 4 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

In addition to re-imbursement of $120 per month offered via the Transportation Incentive Program, a Department of Defense initiative that provides financial incentives to employees to encourage commuting by mass transportation, Mr. Williams said that taking the shuttle also saves costly wear and tear on his vehicle.

For Terri O'Keefe, an Airman and Family Readiness Center commuter, taking the shuttle also translates into an added savings of about $50 a week on gas expenditures.
"Now I spend nothing on gas, and with the $120 subsidy, it really helps," she said. "I'm only really paying $70 a month on transportation costs." 

Tim Morse of the Special Security Office said that riding the shuttle has saved him time, as well as money. Before riding the shuttle, traffic dictated the start of his work day - making him hit the roads earlier to avoid the frustration of the commute.
"It wasn't the amount of time it took; it was just the stress of sitting in traffic," he said. "Now I can just close my eyes and day dream if I want to." 

Capt. Gary Krupp, an Air Force Research Laboratory commuter, said that leaving the drive to someone else brings relief to his busy schedule by providing him with a few much-needed quiet moments.

"In my busy life, it's nice to have 30 minutes when I'm not driving or doing something," he said.

For those still not convinced of the benefits, Captain Krupp offers something for the reluctant to keep in mind.

"What people are going to be hesitant about is the flexibility - that was my first concern as well. But I found that with really minor changes, that is outweighed compared to the benefits of paying less for gas, and just letting someone else do the driving."

The cost of the daily shuttle service is $198 per month, which can be reduced by $120 per month for active-duty and civilian DoD employees -- National Guard and Reserves included -- who enroll in the Transportation Incentive Program. For more information on this program, contact Hanscom's Commuter Management Office at (781) 377-2904.

Additional information about signing up for the shuttle service can be obtained by contacting Ed Weiner at (781) 895-1100.