Buckley partners with rideshare program Published April 3, 2013 By Senior Airman Marcy Glass 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Members of Team Buckley who have a 30 minute or more commute or drive more than 15 miles one way have the option of carpooling or vanpooling through the Denver Regional Council of Governments. The Way to Go carpool program allows two or more people and the vanpool allows groups of five to 15 people with lengthy work commutes a chance to save time, money and the environment. One van removes as many as 14 cars and their emissions from the highways each day. Not to mention, there is an average savings of $800 a year in gas and vehicle maintenance compared to driving a privately owned vehicle. "There are some terrific benefits that the federal government offers its employees related to transportation, and we want to help Buckley personnel find those qualified benefits that work best for them," said Kenneth Boden, Way to Go specialist. "In the end, we know that we can help employees save money and make their commute to work more pleasant." The Way to Go website helps people connect in the same area to share the expense of carpooling, vanpooling and scheduling. "I participate in the program because of the savings and the ability to relax instead of driving and dealing with the stress of traffic," said Richard Dennis, 460th Space Communication Squadron. "Of course, the environmental footprint is a big benefit, too, as well as relieving some of the traffic on the roadways for others." The vanpool program provides a vehicle, insurance, maintenance and fuel in exchange for a monthly fee determined by the number of riders within the group. The more riders, the less it costs for each person. A group interested in vanpooling or carpooling that travels along the same route can participate on a month-to-month basis, so there is no long-term contract or commitment. The Guaranteed Ride Home program is available for use six times a year. In case of an emergency, the Guaranteed Ride Home will provide transportation regardless of an individual's schedule and destination, even if multiple destinations are needed. The Way to Go program is an expanded program from the Ride Arrangers which has had a partnership with Buckley for many years offering carpool and vanpool information. This program solidifies partnership with six other transportation management services throughout the Denver Metro area. For more information, visit www3.drcog.org/WayToGo/ or call 303-458-7665.