ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - A new transportation center at Aberdeen Proving Ground will help personnel find alternative ways to commute to work.

The center, located in the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center, opened March 12 and is funded by a federal grant from the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) to the Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor (CSSC).

"People want to cut the cost of their driving commute but don't know how. My job is to provide information, show them alternatives so they can make informed decisions about which options suit their needs," said Syreeta Gross, coordinator for the APG-CSSC Transportation Center.

Gross formerly worked in APG's BRAC Transformation Office and is familiar with local issues that come with a rapidly growing workforce.

In her current job, Gross will promote options that include commuter rail, carpooling, van sharing, a private bus line that carries employees to and from New Jersey daily, and the Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

The Guaranteed Ride Home program ensures anyone who is enrolled in a commuter program gets a free ride home in the event of an emergency.

"Guaranteed Ride was created for mass transit users because unforeseen events do happen," said Gross.

"The new transportation office will compliment the installation's Traffic Demand Management Plan and is a great stride toward reducing our energy consumption and realizing our energy conservation goals," said APG Public Affairs Officer Kelly Luster. "By reducing vehicular traffic on Aberdeen Proving Ground, we will be increasing our energy conservation efforts as a community."

The center will promote a no-cost bike rental program that is under consideration for train commuters at APG South (Edgewood) and encourage enrollment in federal traffic subsidy programs.

"And though contract personnel are not eligible for the federal subsidy, sharing their commute can still save them dollars, and wear and tear on their vehicles," she said.

Gross will be available to users in the recreation centers at APG North (Aberdeen) and South (Edgewood). Her hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on APG North; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday on APG South. Appointments are available outside of scheduled office hours.

For more information, contact Gross at 410-278-5491 or sgross@harfordcountymd.gov.