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An alternative to filling the tank with your life savings

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Once again, the rising costs of gasoline have caused many to search for some way to ease their wallet's fears. Why should I pay so much for gas? Exactly how much of my paycheck goes to filling up the tank? What are my alternatives to this pricey mode of transportation?

These are the questions that many people may be asking themselves now that gas prices have risen well above $3 per gallon.

There is a free alternative, the vanpool program, offered to members of Team Fairchild that is cost-effective and easy on the environment.

"The goal of the program is to encourage commute alternatives as part of the Commute Trip Reduction Program aimed at reducing air pollution," said Alison Burcham, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron Air Quality Engineer and employee transportation coordinator for the vanpool program.

The vanpool program is a great choice for those who wish to save money on gas, as well as service and maintenance on a personally owned vehicle. Run by the Spokane Transit Authority, the vanpool program currently has approximately 80 participants from the base.

"The program as it is now is about five years old," said Ms. Burcham. Things have changed since the programs inception. There are more vans available, there are more participants and the funding has changed.

One may ask the valid question, "How is this a free service?"

It costs approximately $800 dollars a month per each van; the cost is split among the passengers, typically between $50 and $110. Department of Defense employees get issued commuter checks from the United States Department of Transportation. These checks are then passed from the program participant to the van driver to the STA, according to Ms. Burcham.

"I think anybody can make it work if they want to," said Ms. Burcham. "If someone's schedule fits that of a van already in the area, that person may be able to join the next day if space is available. Otherwise, a new group can be made."

One apprehension some have from joining the program is the concern of having a late meeting or unsuspected events. To ease those reservations, one incentive to the program is the guaranteed ride home.

"If something comes up," said Ms. Burcham, "you'll get a free taxi ride home." Though it is recommended that people not take advantage of the fall-back plan, this is an option in the case of unforeseen events.

With so many bonuses, it would be easy to take advantage of the convenient vanpool program. Not only would one be saving money on vehicle care, the environment would also be benefiting.