Navy Base Employees Reap the Rewards of Vanpooling

MECHANICSBURG, Penn. (NNS) -- Thanks to a cooperative effort between the base and local commuter service providers, 10 Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mechanicsburg employees from the York metro area are realizing the cost savings and quality-of-life benefits of a vanpool they organized in June.

"I was driving 42 miles each way from where I live to the base," said Thomas Petrisko, who is with the base communications office. "That adds to over 400 miles a week in mileage on the car, which adds at least 20,000 miles a year to my car."

In September of 2008 Petrisko contacted Commuter Services of Pennsylvania to help him connect with van providers, like VPSI Inc.

Commuter Services of Pennsylvania is funded by federal congestion mitigation and air quality funds. Through their free services, they work to reduce traffic congestion by helping commuters find alternatives, other than driving alone, and by reaching out to employers so they can help their workforce find those options.

VPSI Inc. operates commuter transportation and mobility management programs from more than 40 customer service or commute centers serving 50 major urban areas throughout the world.

"When a group wants to start a vanpool they contact Commuter Services and then set up an agreement with VPSI as a monthly lease," Larry McCartney, NSA's Transportation Incentive Program (TIP) coordinator.
"VPSI determines the cost based on the number of people in the vanpool and how far they will be traveling."

Once there are enough personnel for the vanpool, participants enroll in TIP to receive transit vouchers to pay for their vanpool.

The group leases the van from VSPI for $1,325 a month and is given a gas credit card for $275: each passenger pays $160 per month. Check procurement and distribution is managed by NSA Mechanicsburg. TIP currently provides up to $230 per person for mass transit and alternative transportation expenses.

"I have $35 at the end of the week in my wallet. That's a big incentive to me."

For more news from Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsamech/.