Action Line # 90809–Energy Conservation

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint: 

With a large concern for energy conservation all over the world, I believe an enormous contribution could be made by having less vehicles driving around the base. I would like to suggest that we have more buses running (and on different routes) to reduce the need for driving cars around the base. I think that if the public transportation on base was more effective, then it would reduce the need to ship vehicles in and out of the country, thus alleviating some of the workload on the DELTA VPC and the Pass and ID unit. And with gas prices over $3 a gallon, this could help some pocketbooks as well. Not only would we be helping reduce emissions from motor vehicles, but we would be helping our fellow airman and their mission as well. I appreciate your consideration in this matter.

Response: 

Thank you for the suggestion and the opportunity to answer a commonly asked question. Unfortunately, we are strictly prohibited by Air Force Instruction for allowing shuttle buses to enter base housing and/or any recreational or shopping areas unless these areas are reasonably unavoidable.

Our existing routes have been designed to accommodate residents to the maximum extent possible while remaining compliant with established Air Force policies. Recent changes to times, route and stops were implemented as a result of inputs received from various organizations, commanders and customers across the base. It's important for everyone to be mindful that the shuttle service is predicated upon ridership.

Being one of the exemplary services provided by 39 LRS free-of-charge to passengers, there are associated costs involved. At an average $21 per hour (for operations and maintenance), we are monitoring ridership numbers weekly to maximize the effectiveness of this service and determine if future changes may be necessary.

You are absolutely correct in that the shuttle is an excellent alternative to daily POV commuting and meeting official appointments. For this reason, I thank you for your environmental concern and a willingness to make our installation a better place to live. 

Excerpts from AFI 24-301 Vehicle Operations 3.58. Shuttle Bus Service: The
capability to transport groups of individuals on official business between
offices on installations or between nearby installations is a recognized
requirement and is essential to mission support.

3.58.1. Authorized Users. Shuttle bus service provides support on or between
installations for transporting:

3.58.1.1. Military personnel and DOD employees between offices and work
areas of the installation or activity during designated hours when justified
by the ridership. Routes will service offices and work centers only.
Unauthorized stops include base housing areas (to include government leased
housing) and any recreational or shopping areas unless these areas are
reasonably unavoidable. Domicile-to-duty transportation using a shuttle
service is not authorized.

3.58.2. Space-Available Transportation. The following categories of
passengers may use shuttle-bus services on a space-available basis only. Do
not change the size of the vehicle required to support active duty personnel
to accommodate space-available personnel.
3.58.2.1. Off-duty military personnel or DOD civilian employees.
3.58.2.2. Dependents of active duty personnel.
3.58.2.3. Retirees.
3.58.2.4. Visitors to the base (intra-installation only).