March vanpoolers eliminate four tons of emissions monthly Published July 15, 2010 By Michelle Isaac VPSI, Southern California MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- The vanpool program at March ARB added three new VPSI vanpools to its fleet within the last month, bringing the total number of vanpools to 19 - more than doubling its numbers since September 2009! It is estimated that the March ARB vanpool program eliminates nearly 4 tons of carbon monoxide emissions, saves over $28,000 in fuel costs and reduces over 243,000 miles from our roadways on a monthly basis. Starting a vanpool is easy. A group of 5 to 15 people living in the same area and with the same work hours simply need to contact Paul Pitman, the base's air quality manager, to let him know that they would like to start a van. Paul then works with a vanpool provider to conduct a meeting to identify drivers, establish a route, determine a meeting point and departure times. The group is encouraged to have one primary driver and at least two alternate drivers. Driver applications are processed within 48 hours. Paul also provides paperwork and guidelines for employees to order transit vouchers, which are distributed to each passenger to pay for the vanpool fare and fuel. A vanpool start date is set and the van is delivered to March ARB for a brief driver delivery orientation. The vanpool program is all inclusive with the van, meaning all maintenance, zero dollar deductible insurance, loaner vans and administrative service are provided by the vanpool vendor. There is no security deposit required and only a 30 day notice to terminate contracts. Pitman continues to promote and support ridesharing, but he says existing rideshare participants are the strongest advocates for commuters leaving their cars at home when they come to work at March. "We are so grateful to have a vanpool at our disposal, as it starts off the work day on a positive note. It's great to know that we are helping the environment and reducing the number of vehicles on the road," affirms Randy Crain, a back-up driver for one of the VPSI vans commuting to the base from Temecula. "The vanpool riders have a good attitude and it makes the drive so much more enjoyable," he adds. Vanpool participants not only enjoy a stress-free commute that helps the environment, but they also see a financial savings by enrolling in the transportation fringe benefit program. Under Executive Order 13150, March ARB will qualify eligible commuters with transit vouchers to pay for commuting costs. Transit vouchers total up to $230 per passenger per month. In most cases, vanpoolers do not have any out of pocket expenses because the combination of transit vouchers and a regional subsidy available to Inland Empire residents covers all costs, including gas. March Vanpools Beaumont Los Angeles/Orange County Hemet/San Jacinto Menifee (3 vans) Murrieta (2 vans) Rancho Cucamonga Redlands San Bernardino San Diego Temecula (6 vans) Victorville (2 vans)