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Commute alternatives save you money

  • Published
  • 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Getting to work has never been easier for members of Team Fairchild. There are a variety of convenient ways to get to work including vanpooling, riding the bus, bicycling and carpooling.

These commute alternatives will save you money and improve the local environment, even if only used occasionally. According to the 2007 Fairchild Commute Trip Reduction Survey and AAA's "Your Driving Costs", the average Team Fairchild member can save $103 every month by using a commute alternative. This estimate considers vehicle operating costs including gasoline, maintenance and tires.

January is "Add It Up and Win" month in Spokane County. All of Team Fairchild is encouraged to try a commute alternative such as carpooling, riding the bus, walking, bicycling, vanpooling or compressed work schedules. Document your commute at www.mycommute.org with worksite code #6LTZ and you will automatically be entered
to win prizes such as a $250 cash card, $20 Aunties Bookstore gift card or $20 Motion Auto gift card. More commute alternative days used equals more chances to win.

Riding the bus is a convenient choice. You can ride the bus to work for free. Monthly bus passes are free for all military and Air Force civilian members of Team Fairchild. Spokane Transit is an award-winning bus service that serves Spokane County and Fairchild. The bus service is especially convenient for those living close to downtown and in Airway Heights. Call 247-8139 to get your pass today. Bus schedules and route maps are available at www.spokanetransit.com.

Vanpooling can provide a flexible commute and in most cases the Air Force pays for all costs for military and civilian members of Team Fairchild. Vanpools are groups of five or more people who share a similar commute trip from home to work. Vanpool groups meet at locations throughout the area and use Spokane Transit-owned vans to commute to Fairchild. Vanpooling is extremely flexible. You choose when to ride - when it's convenient for you.

There are currently 13 vanpools that meet in Spokane County and drive to Fairchild each day. Seats are available for new riders. Or, any group of five people can start a new vanpool. New vanpools choose their route and departure time. Contact Fairchild's Employee Transportation Coordinator to form a new vanpool or to be matched up with other riders.

Bicycling provides for a healthy commute. Get some exercise and have fun during your daily commute to work. Bicycling is a healthy commute alternative that is especially convenient for on-base housing residents and those who live in Airway Heights. Bicycle lanes are located along many area roads including Highway 2. Bicycle route maps and other resources are available at www.srtc.org.

Carpooling is an easy choice. Carpooling with a spouse, friend or co-worker is a great alternative to driving alone. It is also one of the most flexible and convenient ways to share the ride. If you need help finding a carpool partner, try the free ride-matching service for Spokane County located at www.rideshareonline.com.

How can an alternative commute benefit you? Alternative commutes provide a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, cutting commute costs, reducing commute stresses, reducing wear and tear on your vehicle and having time to relax while someone else drives.

Every little bit counts. Little changes to your daily commute can add up to huge benefits for yourself, the community and the environment.

Please contact the Fairchild ETC, Will Worral, at 247-8139 or will.worrall@fairchild.af.mil if you have any questions or would like to begin ridesharing.