Commuting options on the rise for Hanscom workforce

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Hanscom Commuter Management Office has expanded the number of van pool options for members of the workforce following the results of a commuter survey earlier this year.

The team now offers 48 van pools, an increase of 11 vans, for those interested in participating in the commuting program.

"The 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. "The group is provided an SUV or a van and pays a monthly fee and gas."

And while the program's manager said the expanded options are good for those interested in saving money, he also highlighted the impact Hanscom is having on the environment.

"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 2.7 million pounds per year," Sheehan said. "That's significant and something the Commuter Management Team is very proud of."

Sheehan estimates the base has up to 250 less vehicles commuting to the installation Monday through Friday.

To incentivize participation in the commuting program, the Transportation Incentive Program provides commuters subsidies.

"Transit debit cards are made available to eligible commuters who participate in a van pool," Sheehan said, a van pool participant himself who estimates he saves up to $2,000 a year. "All Defense Department civilian and military employees assigned to Hanscom can take advantage of a $130 per month federal subsidy to offset the costs of mass transit, including vanpool fees."

He adds that the TIP subsidies can also be used to purchase monthly transit fare media, such as train tickets or bus passes for personnel who choose those commuting options.

Additionally, Sheehan said a Massachusetts Department of Transportation subsidy of up to $600 per month for each participating van pool is also provided.

He explained that by combining the two subsidies, members of the workforce can save thousands of dollars per year and, in many cases, enjoy a completely cost-free commute to and from work.

The Commuter Management Team developed "HanscomRIDES", a van pool and car pool matching secure website.

"On this site, updates are made on a quarterly basis for all van pools coming to the base, including the routes, times and number of seats available for those interested in participating," said Sheehan.

Also included is information on an employee-driven car pool matching program created by the team.

"Similar to van pool matching, the HanscomRIDES website allows employees to reach out to others in a bulletin‐board fashion to seek out opportunities for carpooling," Sheehan said. "In addition, the base, in conjunction with MassRIDES, promotes the MassDOT NuRide online tool and Emergency Ride Home programs and encourages employee use of the resources."

Those efforts and more were recognized at the Excellence in Commuter Options Awards Ceremony earlier this year when the commuter management team received the Massachusetts Department of Transportation "Rising Star Spotlight Award."

The award recognizes Massachusetts employers for efforts to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging employees to utilize green transportation options, according to the Mass. Commute website.

According to Sheehan, there are many routes now forming and existing van pools looking for additional riders. Interested personnel should go to the HanscomRIDES site.

Employees interested in applying for the Transportation Incentive Program should complete an application and return it to Building 1825 or email it to 66ABG.CEIE.HanscomCommuters@us.af.mil.

To learn more about the Hanscom commuter program, visit https://cs.eis.afmc.af.mil/sites/Hanscom/commuter/default.aspx or contact Robert Spelfogel at 781-225-6913 or Sheehan at 781-225-6144.