Energy conscious consumers share a ride

  • Published
  • By Scott Prater
  • 50th Space Wing Public Affairs
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) --  Energy conservationists had a good thing going when the city of Colorado Springs offered bus service here. Fuel, wear and tear on personal vehicles and the long drive out from distant parts of the city made riding the bus a smart move.

But when budget cuts forced the city to end bus service here in January, some 250 commuters had no choice but to revert back to driving their own cars.

As administrators of the Department of Transportation's Mass Transportation Benefit Program here, members of the 50th Logistics Readiness Flight could have simply thrown up their hands and said, "Well, we had a good run." Instead, they began searching for a new program to fill the void.

"We looked at the commuter-van pool idea," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Cardiel, the 50th Logisitics Readiness Flight NCO in charge. "We inquired with several van-pool operations in the area and learned about their programs. Ultimately, we decided on one local company and invited their representatives to deliver a briefing to interested people here."

Schriever Air Force Base's commuter-van pool program started off slow, but as word spread, more commuters began participating.

"Right now, we have roughly 100 people who use this program to ride to and from work," Sergeant Cardiel said. "We have six vans that run in neighborhoods . . . and we have room to grow."

Under guidance from former President Bill Clinton, the DOT adopted the Mass Transit Benefit Program for use by active duty military, reserve and Department of Defense civilians early in 2001.

Under the MTBP, participating employees who use public transportation to commute can receive "transit passes" in amounts equal to their personal commuting costs up to a pre-determined limit. It's designed to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, preserve the environment and expand transportation alternatives. Public transportation includes commuter buses, commuter trains, subways or light rail.

At Schriever AFB, Sergeant Cardiel said program funds were used to buy bus passes when the city offered the service here. Now, program funds are used to pay van, fuel and maintenance costs for the commuter vans.

Deborah Freeman rode the city bus for eight years before the city cut the route to Schriever AFB. Now, she shares a ride with some of her neighbors in one of the commuter vans.

"I like saving and doing my part to conserve energy," Ms. Freeman said. "I'm not using gasoline and putting wear and tear on my car, and it's kind of fun to ride in a big group. You can sleep or chat, or get work done during the trip."

Particulars of schedule and meet-up points are decided by each group. Unlike most car pools, the van commuters pick a meet-up spot in the neighborhood and the riders all drive or walk the short distance there.

Each van has a primary driver and an alternate. If riders want to drive, they need to apply through the van pool company.

"The driver has to make a commitment to keep the van at his or her residence, gas it and handle the vouchers," Sergeant Cardiel said. "Some people just don't want to take that on."

Paul Pabich, the primary driver in his van pool admits there are a few minute drawbacks, but the benefits far outweigh them.

"If you have to stay late for work or arrive early, you have to make arrangements with your fellow riders, and you have to find a ride home," he said. "But just think about the amount of energy we're saving. I mean, there are six of us in our pool and we're saving fuel and expenses for six families and six vehicles."