More than 1,000 Transportation Incentive Program (TIP) enrollees came to the Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) Waterfront Recreation Center to participate in a quarterly voucher distribution May 8 and 9.
In April 2001, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13150, which cleared the way for the implementation of this DOD fringe benefit program, which provides active duty military and qualified civilian employees an alternative to driving, by using mass transportation and receiving a stipend for it in the form of vouchers.
The NBSD location was the second TIP office opened in the Southwest Region, and has been available to NBSD employees since 2004.
“The program works relatively easy, if you are an active duty service member, or a full-time GS [general schedule]/NAF [non-appropriated fund] civilian employee, who works at NBSD and resides out in town, you are eligible to apply for this fringe benefit,” said NBSD Installation Program Manager David Love. “ Upon processing and approval, you will receive up to $125 a month to be used for your mass transit commute.”
Most of the NBSD participants have enrolled in the program not just to save money, but also to help reduce the amount of cars on the road and pollution in the San Diego air.
“I think this program is great, especially for people like me who commute all the way from Temecula,” said Chief Mineman Roel Elizondo . “ I participate in a van pool because there’s already so much traffic on the road. This is truly helping the environment because there are seven of us in the van pool, so now there are six less vehicles on the road.”
The NBSD TIP program is one of the most popular and largest on the West Coast. The base has a large footprint because it is the homeport of the Pacific Fleet, and it is in close proximity to bus routes and trolley lines.
“TIP is important for a variety of reasons; it reduces the carbon footprint/pollution. Less cars on the road equals a cleaner environment and it also helps foster good neighbor relationships with the surrounding community by reducing traffic. The Sailor benefits additionally with vehicle maintenance and insurance costs,” added Love.
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Naval Today Staff , May 11, 2012; Image: navy