Pine Bluff Arsenal's vanpool program will experience some changes over the next month.
Currently, 13 vanpools are up and running, according to Amber Lecy, the Arsenal's vanpool program coordinator. "As of November, this program will have been running for four years. I have been riding that entire time myself," she said. "Personally, I save about $100 a week on gas by riding, and my insurance went down because I am in the vanpool."
Lecy said that the program is now called V-Ride (changed from VPSI or Vanpool Services Incorporated), and in September, will switch from a voucher program to a Department of Transportation debit card.
"A debit card will be issued to each person enrolled in the program. DOT will provide up to $245 per person each month, depending on how much they need to cover their portion of the van costs," she said. "Each rider will be able to go to the V-Ride website monthly and pay their portion of the costs. This will eliminate having to mail the vouchers every month, and will end up saving a lot of time and postage once it gets implemented."
She said that two more vanpools are expected to be added in the next month. "We are hoping to add one for Redfield and an additional one for Star City," said Lecy. Right now there are two vanpools for the Dumas/McGehee area, one for Sherwood, one for Warren, one for Hot Springs, two for Little Rock, one for Sheridan, and two for Star City.
Approximately 100 people ride the vanpools on any given week. "Some vans don't' have as many people as others," said Lecy, adding that each van holds about 15 people.
The response on the Arsenal has been very positive towards the program over the years. "I ride a vanpool out of Sheridan, and it has saved me unbelievable amounts of money," said Cynthia Hahn, equipment specialist, in the directorate of Logistics. "It has also allowed me to meet people and make friends that I might otherwise have never met. I think it is a wonderful opportunity."
Walter Donald, with the Directorate of Material Management, and rides a vanpool from the McGehee/Dermott area, said that he has heard only positive statements about the vanpools. "There are eight individuals on my van and they work in various areas throughout the Arsenal," he said.
Donna Vestal and Danielle Graves, both with the Directorate of Resource Management, said that the vanpool program has saved them money.
"Bringing the program to PBA has had a positive impact on the lives of participating employees," said Graves. "Prior to the furlough, the cost savings of approximately $600 per month added to our family's disposal income, and now that we are experiencing the 20 percent pay cut, this has become a blessing by offsetting a portion of the income loss."
"When I tell people I live over an hour away from PBA, they think I'm crazy," said Vestal. "Riding on the vanpool, not only saves money, it really helps make the commute more bearable."
Social Sharing