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Have space? Share a ride

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Got some room to spare in your vehicle? Why not give someone a ride?

The share-a-ride program at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing allows service members and civilian employees coordinate ride shares by signaling where they would like to go at the bus stop.

"Most of the main bus stops have slide-out signs that indicate where the person waiting wishes to go," said Master Sgt. Michael Stout, 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. "If you are already heading that direction and you have room, stop and offer a ride, because it's the right thing to do."

While the buses run 24/7, they run 15 minutes apart from 5 a.m. to midnight and increase to 30 minutes apart during the remaining hours. A trip from the Coalition Compound to the operational side of the installation could take more than half an hour by bus, but just a few minutes if a person comes by to give them a ride.

"If you are still reluctant, I challenge you to park your GOV for a day and try the ride share program," Stout said. "Watch how many people drive by your bus stop with empty vehicles and you may see how frustrating it can be. It is nice to be offered a ride and get to your destination just a little bit quicker."

While there are quite a few vehicles available for units to complete their mission, Stouts said he notices not everyone takes a little extra effort to help a fellow service member.

"Some of us may take having a vehicle assigned for granted," Stout said. "Those of us fortunate enough to have our own transportation should share the wealth and offer a ride to folks waiting at the bus stops when possible, especially now that it's starting to heat up."

Ultimately, Stout said, it's up to the driver to pull over when they see someone waiting, and while it's easy to forget, he just asks drivers on the installation keep them in mind.

"I would just like everyone to think about that and help our fellow service members that are not as fortunate," he added.