Travel program can save Airmen money, vehicle wear Published Sept. 28, 2009 By Master Sgt. Michael Pasquantonio 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- The Transportation Incentive Program at Peterson can save Airmen and civilians money on transportation costs. The Mass Transportation and Vanpool Transportation Fringe Benefit Program was implemented on Oct. 1, 2000, by President Bill Clinton. This program started in the Washington, D.C., region and slowly expanded to other areas of the country. TIP allows any military member (Reservist and National Guard members who are on qualifying active duty) or DoD civilian employees (including part-time and paid interns) who meet the eligibility criteria to receive up to $230 per month for domicile-to-duty transportation costs. Currently, Metro Bus or vanpooling are the two modes of transportation that qualify for the Colorado Springs TIP. Vanpooling is defined as a ridesharing arrangement where four to 15 people share the costs of commuting in a passenger van. For more information on bus times and routes, go to http://www.springsgov.com. Program riders experience several benefits: - Reduced stress associated with commuting to work each day - An excellent tool for building new relationships and networking - Positive environmental impact by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution - Dramatically reduced vehicle wear and tear - Potential saving of thousands of dollars in fuel costs For information about the TIP program, call Master Sgt. Michael Pasquantonio or Master Sgt. Dustin Mohr at Michael.Pasquantonio@peterson.af.mil or Dustin.Mohr@peterson.af.mil, or call 556-4489/4863.