VPSI recently introduced a new vanpool program at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Coordinated through the base’s Department of Labor team and administered by Mr. Donald Whitaker, the program assists Fort Polk personnel with everyday commuting issues.
“The first vanpool seems to be running very smoothly and everyone is enjoying the program so far, “says Whitaker. “What a great way to make more friends and contacts across the installation. Our program is slowly moving forward and I hope it continues to grow. I enjoy assisting anyone who is interested in the program. Actually helping the people who choose to participate in the MTBP and vanpooling is a nice feeling. Not only are they making new friends and contacts, so am I.”
This program may eventually help with traffic congestion and parking issues at Fort Polk, all while providing a great service and quality of life to all the participants.
The first vanpool group at Fort Polk started with Emma Tatum at the Garrison Command’s office. Tatum explains “I am so excited about this program for Fort Polk. Our van was delivered four weeks ago and has been smooth driving ever since! Our van was the first one to kick off the vanpool process at Fort Polk, Louisiana… I feel that it will be one of many in the future.”
A second group has just started this week from Alexandria. The group of seven has been anxious to get rolling as they commute 100-miles daily. Not everyone is from Alexandria however; they are meeting at a central location in town.
Federal employees are eligible to receive a Mass Transit Benefit of up to $230 per month, per rider, for using qualified modes of transportation, which includes vanpooling. The participants could commute for free with this benefit. Currently, VPSI serves over 640 vanpools at 72 DoD installations nationwide.
Contractors are welcome to join the vanpool program. Their benefit may depend on their employer. Private employers may choose to offer this similar monthly transit benefit under the guideline of the Commuter Choice program.
Tags: Department of Labor, DoD installations, Donald Whitaker, federal, Fort Polk, Louisana, Mass Transit Benefit, MTBP, VPSI
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Please visit VPSI’s military- focused website, http://www.militaryvanpool.com, for information on existing vanpools at military installations nationwide.